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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
10:42
Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
Published on: May 3, 2019
7.4K
A Radium-223 microgenerator from cyclotron-produced trace Actinium-227
Diane S Abou1, Juile Pickett1, John E Mattson2
1Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Summary
Researchers developed a Radium-223 dichloride (223RaCl2) microgenerator to address limited supplies for cancer treatment research. This innovation enables radiochemical purification and in vivo evaluation of 223RaCl2, with potential for regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Radium-223 dichloride (223RaCl2) is approved for treating metastatic prostate cancer.
- Limited supply and high cost of 223Ra hinder research.
- Actinium-227 (227Ac) is a precursor for 223Ra.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a microgenerator for producing 223RaCl2.
- To overcome the supply limitations of 223Ra for research.
- To enable radiochemical purification and in vivo evaluation of 223RaCl2.
Main Methods:
- Utilized traces of 227Ac, derived from cyclotron-produced Actinium-225 (225Ac).
- Engineered a microgenerator system for 223Ra separation.
- Performed radiochemical purification, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of the produced 223RaCl2.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced radiochemically pure 223RaCl2.
- Demonstrated in vivo efficacy of the produced 223RaCl2.
- Recovered the source in high yield for microgenerator regeneration.
Conclusions:
- The engineered microgenerator provides a viable solution for 223RaCl2 supply challenges.
- This method facilitates further research into 223RaCl2 for cancer therapy.
- The microgenerator system is regenerable, offering a sustainable source.
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