Routine Production of 89Zr Using an Automated Module

Abstract

89Zr has emerged as a useful radioisotope for targeted molecular imaging via positron emission tomography (PET) in both animal models and humans. This isotope is particularly attractive for cancer research because its half-life (t 1/2 = 3.27 days) is well-suited for in vivo targeting of macromolecules and nanoparticles to cell surface antigens expressed by cancer cells. Furthermore, 89Zr emits a low-energy positron (E β+,mean = 0.40 MeV), which is favorable for high spatial resolution in PET, with an adequate branching ratio for positron emission (BR = 23%). The demand for 89 Zr for research purposes is increasing; however, 89Zr also emits significant gamma radiation (Γ 15 keV = 6.6 Rcm 2 /mCih), which makes producing large amounts of this isotope by hand unrealistic from a radiation safety standpoint. Fortunately, a straightforward method exists for production of Zr safely and routinely, at activities in excess of 50 mCi, with radionuclidic purity > 99.9% and satisfactory effective specific activity (ESA).

Spot-welding solid targets for high current cyclotron irradiation

“…This is in agreement with our EoB DFO ESA results for 89 Zr produced through previous methods of 60 ± 50 GBq/μmol (n = 124). Additionally, these results are in agreement with EOB DFO ESA values of 17 – 44 GBq/μmole reported by Holland et al (2009) and those of 4 ± 4 GBq/μmole reported by Wooten et al (2013). It is possible that the higher run-to-run variability in ESA values measured in the current work is as a result of the spot welding method potentially resulting in higher trace metal contamination of the 89 Zr through the presence of the cooling-water-contacted Ta backing, high-proton-current sputtered degrader foil material, or from the welding electrode.…”

[89Zr]Trastuzumab: Evaluation of Radiation Dosimetry, Safety, and Optimal Imaging Parameters in Women with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

“…Briefly, 89 Zr-oxalate was produced via the Y-89(p,n)Zr-89 reaction on the CS-15 cyclotron (Cyclotron Corporation, Berkeley, CA) and purified with an in-house automated module[27–28]. The resulting [ 89 Zr]oxalate was produced with a specific-activity of 8.1–15.4 GBq/μmol (220–418 mCi/μmol).…”

Measurement of excitation functions in alpha-induced reactions on yttrium

“…The use of 89 Zr is constantly evolving and it is expected that in the near future this radionuclide will be widely applied in a PET imaging. The emission of b + (E mean = 0.66 MeV and E max = 1.5 MeV) from 90 Nb makes it especially promising for the immuno-PET and clinical applications [11,12]. Only limited excitation functions for the alpha-induced reactions on 89 Y are available in the various energy ranges [13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”