title: Cyclotron production of NCA 99mTc and 99Mo. An alternative non-reactor supply source of instant 99mTc and 99Mo----99mTc generators.
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.
authors.affiliation: Radioisotope Program, Crocker Nuclear Laboratory University of California, Davis 95616.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Lagunas-Solar
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Kiefer
authors.forename: O F
authors.initials: OF
authors.lastname: Carvacho
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Lagunas
authors.forename: Y P
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Cha
mesh_terms: D008982:Molybdenum; D010315:Particle Accelerators; D011868:Radioisotopes; D011876:Radionuclide Generators; D013667:Technetium
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes; D013667:Technetium; D008982:Molybdenum