Speaker
Prof.
Steve McQuarrie
(University of Alberta, Canada)
Description
Researchers at the University of Alberta have demonstrated that it is possible to produce and extract clinically significant quantities of 99mTc via the 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc nuclear reaction. Cyclotron targets have been engineered which significantly enhance their power-handling capacity to allow for extended high current irradiation. In addition, a process has been developed which allows for the efficient dissolution of the cyclotron target substrate, separation of the 99mTc and unreacted 100Mo and recovery of the expensive 100Mo for recycling. The quality of the extracted 99mTc has been verified by appropriate quality control protocols and animal biodistribution studies were performed which culminated in the completion of the first human clinical trial comparing with cyclotron produced 99mTc with reactor produced 99Mo/99mTc. Details will be presented on each of the steps in this process that highlight our solutions to the major problems that were overcome to produce a reliable alternative source for this key medical radionuclide.
Acknowledgements: Our partners at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) and Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc. We also a gratefully acknowledge financial support from NSERC/CIHR (MIS 100934), the Non-reactor based Isotope Supply Contribution Program (NISP) of Natural Resources Canada, Alberta Cancer Foundation, Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Western Economic Partnership Agreement.
Author
Prof.
Steve McQuarrie
(University of Alberta, Canada)
Co-authors
Dr
AJB McEwan
(University of Alberta)
Dr
J Wilson
(0511keV@gmail.com)
Dr
K Gagnon
(University of Alberta)
