Recent Advances in ⁶⁴Cu/⁶⁷Cu-Based Radiopharmaceuticals

Copper-64 (T_1/2 = 12.7 h) is a positron and beta-emitting isotope, with decay characteristics suitable for both positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and radiotherapy of cancer. Copper-67 (T_1/2 = 61.8 h) is a beta and gamma emitter, appropriate for radiotherapy β-energy and with a half-life suitable for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. The chemical identities of ⁶⁴Cu and ⁶⁷Cu isotopes allow for convenient use of the same chelating molecules for sequential PET imaging and radiotherapy. A recent breakthrough in ⁶⁷Cu production opened previously unavailable opportunities for a reliable source of ⁶⁷Cu with high specific activity and purity. These new opportunities have reignited interest in the use of copper-containing radiopharmaceuticals for the therapy, diagnosis, and theranostics of various diseases. Herein, we summarize recent (2018-2023) advances in the use of copper-based radiopharmaceuticals for PET, SPECT imaging, radiotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy.