Future of low specific activity molybdenum-99/technetium-99m generator

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Radiochemistry
• Medical isotope production

Background:

• The global supply of molybdenum-99 (99mTc), crucial for diagnostic imaging, has faced significant shortages.
• Current production relies heavily on the fission of uranium-235 (235U), posing proliferation and security concerns.
• Alternative production routes are being investigated to ensure a stable and secure supply.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss various methods for producing molybdenum-99 (99Mo).
• To address the challenges associated with current 99Mo production.
• To explore the future potential of low specific activity 99Mo production routes.

Main Methods:

• Review of accelerator- and reactor-based production routes for 99Mo.
• Analysis of fission versus non-fission production pathways.
• Discussion of specific activity considerations for 99mTc generator manufacturing.

Main Results:

• High specific activity 99Mo from 235U fission has dominated 99mTc generator production for decades.
• Non-fission routes are gaining importance due to proliferation and 'dirty bomb' concerns.
• Various accelerator and reactor-based methods are being developed to produce 99Mo with different specific activities.

Conclusions:

• The reliance on 235U fission for 99Mo production presents sustainability and security challenges.
• Non-fission production methods offer promising alternatives for a secure and stable supply of 99Mo.
• Future strategies must consider the role of low specific activity 99Mo in meeting global demand for diagnostic nuclear medicine.