⁶⁷Cu Production Capabilities: A Mini Review.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiochemistry
• Theranostics

Background:

• Copper-67 (67Cu) is a promising theranostic radionuclide with increasing demand for personalized therapies.
• Current global production capacity and feasibility for expanding 67Cu supply require comprehensive assessment.
• The growing need for 67Cu necessitates evaluation of various production and purification strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the worldwide feasibility of Copper-67 (67Cu) production for expanded preclinical and clinical use.
• To review and compare different accelerator- and reactor-based production routes for 67Cu.
• To analyze separation, purification, target recovery, and quality control aspects crucial for sustainable 67Cu supply.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of existing literature on 67Cu production routes (accelerator and reactor-based).
• Analysis of nuclear reactions, separation and purification techniques, and target material recovery procedures.
• Evaluation of radiochemical, chemical, and radionuclidic purity, including 64Cu coproduction.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of current 67Cu supply status and its use in non-clinical and clinical studies.
• Comparison of different production routes regarding efficiency, purity, and economic sustainability.
• Identification of critical factors for quality control, especially concerning 64Cu coproduction.

Conclusions:

• Worldwide production of 67Cu is feasible and essential to meet the growing demand for theranostic applications.
• Optimization of production, purification, and recovery processes is vital for economic sustainability.
• Future developments in infrastructure and radiopharmaceuticals will further enhance 67Cu's clinical utility.