Nuclear data for production of new medical radionuclides

Abstract

The need for development of radionuclides for new medical applications is outlined. Recent studies deal with longer- lived positron emitters (e.g. 64Cu, 73Se, 76Br, 124I, etc.) for studying slow metabolic processes, radionuclides like 83Sr, 86Y, 94mTc, etc. for applying the analogue approach, and therapeutic radionuclides (e.g. 67Cu, 103Pd, 186Re, 225Ac, etc.). The relevant nuclear data work is reviewed. In general, highly enriched isotopes are used as target material and a medium-sized cyclotron appears to be capable of producing a large number of new radionuclides. In some cases intermediate energy reactions need to be utilized. Some of the measurements, especially those related to X-ray and Auger electron emitters, are challenging. Interest in therapeutic radionuclides is increasing and further nuclear data studies are essential. © 2014 Atomic Energy Society of Japan.