Cyclotron production of NCA 99mTc and 99Mo. An alternative non-reactor supply source of instant 99mTc and 99Mo----99mTc generators

Int J Rad Appl Instrum A. 1991;42(7):643-57. doi: 10.1016/0883-2889(91)90035-y.

Abstract

The direct production of no-carrier-added (NCA) 6.02 h 99mTc and of 66 h 99mMo using proton beams of natural Mo targets was investigated. The major objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of utilizing high-intensity proton accelerators as a supply source of 99mTc and 99Mo for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine. The excitation functions for the production of the directly-made 99mTc via the 100Mo(p, 2n)99mTc (Q = -7.85 MeV) reaction, and of its parent 99Mo via the 100Mo(p, pn) 99Mo (Q = -8.30 MeV) and 100Mo(p, 2p)99mNb(15 s)----99Mo (Q = -11.14 MeV) reactions, were measured in the 68-8 MeV energy range. Single and cumulative yields for 99mTc and 99Mo, and for other Tc, Mo, Zr, Nb and Y radiocontaminants were also determined. The prospects of integrating the use of enriched 100Mo targets with high-intensity, dual beam, H- accelerators was analyzed. The potential of this combined method to replace or complement the current reactor-based supply sources of 99Mo----99mTc generators, is also discussed. Finally, a brief analysis is made on the potential use of this combined technology to support the anticipated expansion of nuclear medicine in developing nations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Molybdenum*
  • Particle Accelerators*
  • Radioisotopes
  • Radionuclide Generators*
  • Technetium*

Substances

  • Radioisotopes
  • Technetium
  • Molybdenum