Radioisotope generators of short-lived α-emitting radionuclides promising for use in nuclear medicine

Abstract

α-Emitting radionuclides open unique possibilities for nuclear medicine owing to short range of α-particles and high linear energy transfer values. The use of radioactive generators is the simplest and the most efficient method for production of short-lived α-emitting radionuclides. The designs of radioisotope generators and generator systems used for repeated production of short-lived α-emitting radionuclides 225Ac, 213Bi, 211Pb/211Bi, 212Pb/212Bi, 223Ra, and 224Ra, promising for targeted radiotherapy, are described in detail. Particular attention is paid to the methods for production and purification of short-lived α-emitting radionuclides and for their isolation in the form suitable for use in medicobiological studies. Other procedures for producing alternative α-emitting radionuclides (211At, 227Th, 230U, 253Es, 255Fm, 149Tb) and possibilities of their use are also considered. The objectives and prospects of radiochemical studies in the field of production and isolation of α-emitting radionuclides meeting the requirements of nuclear medicine are discussed.