A reverse ²³⁰U/²²⁶Th radionuclide generator for targeted alpha therapy applications

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Chemistry
• Radiopharmaceutical Science
• Biomedical Applications

Background:

• Thorium-226 (²²⁶Th) is crucial for targeted alpha therapy due to its decay properties.
• The short half-life of ²²⁶Th necessitates an efficient supply method.
• A radionuclide generator is required to provide ²²⁶Th from its parent, Uranium-230 (²³⁰U).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a reverse radionuclide generator for ²²⁶Th production.
• To ensure ²²⁶Th is supplied in a form suitable for immediate biomedical use.
• To overcome the supply challenges posed by the short half-life of ²²⁶Th.

Main Methods:

• A DGA extraction chromatography column was utilized for the generator system.
• The generator operated with a ²³⁰U/²²⁶Th parent/daughter solution in equilibrium.
• Elution involved sequential separation using hydrochloric acid for ²³⁰U and citrate buffer for ²²⁶Th.

Main Results:

• The generator achieved a ²²⁶Th recovery yield exceeding 96%.
• Over 99.5% of the parent ²³⁰U was isolated for generator reuse.
• Consistent ²²⁶Th supply with >99.5% radionuclidic purity was maintained over six weeks, with minimal ²³⁰U contamination (<0.5%).

Conclusions:

• The developed reverse radionuclide generator is a viable method for ²²⁶Th production.
• The system provides high yield and purity of ²²⁶Th.
• The generated ²²⁶Th is in a chemical form directly applicable to biomedical applications.