Sustained availability of 99mTc: possible paths forward.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Radiochemistry
• Nuclear security

Background:

• The primary source of technetium-99m (99mTc), vital for diagnostic imaging, relies on molybdenum-99 (99mMo) produced from high enriched uranium (HEU) targets.
• Global efforts are underway to phase out HEU due to nuclear proliferation risks, impacting the stable supply of 99mTc.
• Existing nuclear reactors producing 99mMo face limitations, necessitating alternative production strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze alternative strategies for producing 99mMo and 99mTc without using HEU.
• To discuss the scientific, economic, and security challenges associated with transitioning to non-HEU based production.
• To assess the current status, future prospects, and international actions for ensuring a dependable 99mTc supply.

Main Methods:

• Review of reactor-based and accelerator-based production strategies for 99mMo and 99mTc.
• Analysis of scientific and economic factors influencing the transition from HEU to non-HEU.
• Evaluation of technical challenges, security concerns, economic viability, and regulatory aspects.

Main Results:

• Multiple reactor- and accelerator-based technologies are being developed as alternatives to HEU-based 99mMo production.
• The transition involves significant scientific, economic, and regulatory hurdles that require international collaboration.
• Various strategies are being explored to ensure the uninterrupted availability of 99mTc for nuclear medicine.

Conclusions:

• Ensuring the continued availability of 99mTc for diagnostic nuclear medicine requires a shift away from HEU-based production.
• Developing and implementing alternative production methods, considering scientific, economic, and security factors, is essential.
• International cooperation and ongoing research are critical for the successful transition to non-HEU based 99mTc supply.