[Preparation, quality control and thyroid molecule imaging of solid-target based radionuclide ioine-124]

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiochemistry
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Development of novel radionuclides is crucial for advancing clinical applications.
• Iodine-124 (124I) offers potential for diagnostic imaging due to its decay properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a method for producing high-specific-activity Iodine-124 (124I) using a solid target.
• To evaluate the feasibility of 124I for biomedical applications through micro-PET imaging.

Main Methods:

• Production of 124I via the 124Te (p,n) 124I reaction using a compressed 124TeO2 solid target.
• Irradiation in a medical cyclotron (HM-20) followed by dry distillation and radiochemical purification.
• In vivo micro-PET/CT imaging in mice to assess biodistribution and metabolism of 124I.

Main Results:

• Successful preparation of a smooth, dense 124TeO2 solid target on a platinum backing.
• Production of 370-1110 MBq of 124I with high specific activity (370-740 MBq) after purification.
• Micro-PET imaging demonstrated specific accumulation of 124I in the thyroid and stomach, with clearance via the kidneys.

Conclusions:

• The tablet device method enables efficient preparation of 124TeO2 solid targets for cyclotron production.
• High-specific-activity 124I was successfully produced and purified for biomedical research.
• The study provides a foundation for the clinical application of 124I as a novel diagnostic radionuclide.