Recommended Nuclear Data for the Production of Selected Therapeutic Radionuclides

Abstract

Increasing interest in the treatment of human disease using targeted radionuclide-based therapies requires accurate understanding of achievable radionuclide yield and purity. In the frame of a larger International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Proposal (IAEA CRP), thirteen nuclear reactions leading to the formation of 131 Cs, 178 Ta, 225 Ra, 225 Ac, 227 Th, and 230 U have been evaluated using all available measured data. Selected datasets have been fit using least-squares method with Padé approximations of variable order, enabling the assignment of energy differential uncertainties to the recommended fit. In some instances, new measurements have been made and reported data has been adjusted to accommodate new nuclear decay or monitor reaction data which adversely altered original reported quantities. In many additional cases, insufficient measured data are available to permit a reliable evaluation of cross sections; these instances are discussed. Recommended therapeutic radionuclide production reaction data and their uncertainties are available on the Web page of the IAEA NDS at www-nds.iaea.org/radionuclides/ and also at the IAEA medical portal www-nds.iaea.org/medportal/ .

A Step-by-Step Guide for the Novel Radiometal Production for Medical Applications: Case Studies with 68Ga, 44Sc, 177Lu and 161Tb

“…To determine the most efficient production routes and to minimize the number and amount of side products, nuclear reaction cross-section data of the target material have crucial importance. It should be pointed out that the inherent success of any production strategy requires precise nuclear data [46][47][48]. Between 2012 and 2016, extensive nuclear data studies were carried within a research project, coordinated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) consisting of compilation, evaluation, and recommendation of cross-section data for the production of medical radionuclides [49,50].…”

“…This process does not need target recycling, however, radionuclidic purity of the final product (95%) is not regarded as sufficient for clinical application. Other than the relatively low production yield, the use of natural calcium leads to the co-production of long-lived radionuclides, namely, 44m Sc, 47 Sc (T 1/2 = 80.4 h) and 48 Sc, which can lead to additional dose burden to patients.…”

Analysis of empirical parametrization and microscopical studies of deuteron-induced reactions

“…A particular case in this respect could be the interconnection of two valuable complementary experimental data sets of 231 Pa(d, 3n) 230 U and 231 Pa(p, 2n) 230 U [8] excitation functions, measured between [11.2 -19.9 MeV] [7], and , respectively, which have also been analyzed separately by Padé fit due the deficiency in the theoretical deuteron-BU description [6]. On the other hand, we pointed out earlier [9,10] the dominant role of the breakup mechanism in the interaction process of deuterons with Actinides targets at incident energies around Coulomb barrier.…”

“…More recently, full parametrization of the deuteron monitor reactions and therapeutic radionuclidesproduction cross sections have been recommended within Special Issues on Nuclear Reaction Data by Hermanne et al [5], and Engle et al [6]. Thus, genuine Padé fit of the available data has been involved at variance, however, with the FENDL [2] concern of deuteron-induced reaction improved theoretical analysis.…”

“…Thus, genuine Padé fit of the available data has been involved at variance, however, with the FENDL [2] concern of deuteron-induced reaction improved theoretical analysis. Actually, Engle et al [6] motivated the choice of Pade fit there, despite so low predictive power and apart from nuclear modeling advance, by the deficiency in the theoretical description of the deuteron breakup. Therefore it seems appropriate a comparative analysis of empirical parametrization and microscopic studies within the experimental data and theoretical predictions leading to a final evaluation of deuteron data.…”