AEC, Bern, Switzerland
Naples University Federico II, Napoli, Italy
Theranostics in nuclear medicine is realized by using two different radioisotopes to label the same radiopharmaceutical, one for diagnosis via PET or SPECT (positron or gamma emitter, respectively) and one for targeted radioligand therapy (alpha, beta minus, Auger emitter). To assure the same chemistry and metabolic behaviour in the human body, the best option is to employ two radionuclides of the same element, the so called theranostic pair. In view of clinical trials and routine applications, the production and supply of novel radioisotopes for theranostics in adequate quality and quantity is essential and represents nowadays a scientific and technical challenge. The most promising methodology relies on hospital-based 15-25 MeV compact medical cyclotrons equipped with solid target stations. Being designed for the production of F-18 by means of liquid targets, innovative solutions are needed. Therefore, a research program is ongoing at the Bern medical cyclotron, a facility equipped with a Solid Target Station and a 6.5 m Beam Transfer Line ending in a separate bunker. To irradiate isotope-enriched materials in form of compressed powder pellets (6 mm diameter), a novel target coin was conceived and realized together with methods to assess the beam energy and the production cross sections. To optimize the irradiation procedure, a novel ultra-compact Active Focusing System based on a specific magnetic device and a two-dimensional beam monitoring detector was conceived, constructed and tested. Several solutions for the beam detector were developed and others are under study. The system allows to control on-line the size and position of the beam and to correct its characteristics by steering and focusing it in order to keep it on target. Results on accelerator and detector developments together with achievements in the production of radionuclides for theranostics (Sc-43, Sc-44, Sc-47, Cu-61, Cu-64, Cu-67, Ga-68, Er-165, Tm-165, Tm-167 and Tb-155) are presented.
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