Recent Advances in ⁶⁴Cu/⁶⁷Cu-Based Radiopharmaceuticals

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceutical science.
• Oncology and cancer therapeutics.
• Medical imaging and diagnostics.

Background:

• Copper-64 (⁶⁴Cu) is a positron and beta emitter suitable for PET imaging and radiotherapy.
• Copper-67 (⁶⁷Cu) is a beta and gamma emitter suitable for radiotherapy and SPECT imaging.
• Shared chelation chemistry enables sequential PET imaging and radiotherapy with copper isotopes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances (2018-2023) in copper-based radiopharmaceuticals.
• To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of ⁶⁴Cu and ⁶⁷Cu.
• To discuss the potential of copper radiopharmaceuticals in theranostics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications from 2018 to 2023.
• Focus on studies detailing ⁶⁴Cu and ⁶⁷Cu production, chelation, and application.
• Analysis of advancements in PET, SPECT imaging, radiotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy.

Main Results:

• Breakthroughs in ⁶⁷Cu production provide a reliable source with high specific activity and purity.
• Renewed interest in copper radiopharmaceuticals for treating various diseases.
• Demonstrated utility of copper isotopes in combined diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

• Copper-based radiopharmaceuticals are increasingly valuable for cancer theranostics.
• Improved ⁶⁷Cu availability expands therapeutic and imaging possibilities.
• The dual nature of copper isotopes facilitates integrated imaging and treatment approaches.