186gRe (T1/2 = 3.7183 d, E(β-)mean = 346.7 keV, I(β-)mean = 92.59%), a mixed beta and γ-emitter shows great potential for use in theranostic applications. The dominant 185Re(n,γ) route, via use of a nuclear reactor, provides 186gRe in carrier added form with low specific activity, while cyclotrons offer no carrier-added (NCA) high specific activity production of 186gRe. However, to be able to select the best possible nuclear reaction and to optimize the production route via the use of a cyclotron, information on the excitation function for the reaction of interest as well as for the competing reactions is necessary. Accordingly, we have conducted a detailed study of the excitation functions for natW(d, x) reactions in seeking optimized parameters for the NCA production of 186gRe. Noting a discrepancy among the experimental data, we made an evaluation of the available literature, finally selecting optimum parameters for the production of 186gRe via the 186W(d,2n)186Re reaction. These beam parameters were then used for batch production of 186gRe by irradiating an enriched 186W metallic powder target, followed by a subsequent automated chemical separation process. The preliminary results show 98.1% radionuclidic purity of 186gRe at 8 h subsequent to the End of Bombardment (EOB), offering the potential for use in clinical applications.
Despite interesting properties, the use of 67Cu, 186Re and 47Sc theranostic radionuclides in preclinical studies and clinical trials is curtailed by their limited availability due to a lack of widely established production methods. An IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) was initiated to identify important technical issues related to the production and quality control of these emerging radionuclides and related radiopharmaceuticals, based on the request from IAEA Member States. The international team worked on targetry, separation, quality control and radiopharmaceutical aspects of the radionuclides obtained from research reactors and cyclotrons leading to preparation of a standard recommendations for all Member States. The CRP was initiated in 2016 with fourteen participants from thirteen Member States from four continents. Extraordinary results on the production, quality control and preclinical evaluation of selected radionuclides were reported in this project that was finalized in 2020. The outcomes, outputs and results of this project achieved by participating Member States are described in this minireview.