Fusion-based neutron generator production of tc-99m and tc-101: A prospective avenue to technetium theranostics

Abstract

Presented are the results of99m Tc and101 Tc production via neutron irradiation of natural isotopic molybdenum (Mo) with epithermal/resonance neutrons. Neutrons were produced using a deuterium-deuterium (D-D) neutron generator with an output of 2 × 1010 n/s. The separation of Tc from an irradiated source of bulk, low-specific activity (LSA) Mo on activated carbon (AC) was demonstrated. The yields of99m Tc and101 Tc, together with their potential use in medical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) procedures, have been evaluated from the perspective of commercial production, with a patient dose consisting of 740 MBq (20 mCi) of99m Tc. The number of neutron generators to meet the annual 40,000,000 world-wide procedures is estimated for each imaging modality:99m Tc versus101 Tc, D-D versus deuterium-tritium (D-T) neutron generator system outputs, and whether or not natural molybdenum or enriched targets are used for production. The financial implications for neutron generator production of these isotopes is also presented. The use of101 Tc as a diagnostic, therapeutic, and/or theranostic isotope for use in medical applications is proposed and compared to known commercial nuclear diagnostic and therapeutic isotopes.