Chromatographic-based ¹⁰³Ru/^103mRh generator for Auger therapy

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiochemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Auger and conversion electrons are emerging as potent vectors for internal radiotherapy.
• Rhodium-103m (¹⁰³ᵐRh), producible from Ruthenium-103 (¹⁰³Ru), is a key isotope for Auger Therapy.
• A reliable ¹⁰³Ru/¹⁰³ᵐRh generator is crucial for evaluating ¹⁰³ᵐRh's therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess a chromatographic separation system for a ¹⁰³Ru/¹⁰³ᵐRh generator.
• To investigate the retention of Ruthenium and elution of Rhodium in a chlorinated environment.
• To optimize the generator for a consistent supply of ¹⁰³ᵐRh for cancer therapy research.

Main Methods:

• Investigated chromatographic separation using a resin functionalized with trioctylphosphine oxide (TK200).
• Conducted dynamic separation experiments to evaluate Rhodium elution and Ruthenium co-elution.
• Tested the generator concept with both stable and radioactive Ruthenium isotopes (⁹⁷Ru, ¹⁰³Ru).

Main Results:

• The TK200 resin demonstrated effective Rhodium elution.
• Partial Ruthenium elution (4-8%) was observed, attributed to the presence of non-retained Ru(III).
• Using radioactive isotopes reduced Ruthenium partial elution compared to stable isotopes, indicating generator viability.

Conclusions:

• A functional ¹⁰³Ru/¹⁰³ᵐRh generator system was successfully developed.
• The TK200 resin-based chromatographic system shows potential for producing ¹⁰³ᵐRh for Auger therapy.
• Further optimization is required to minimize Ruthenium contamination and enhance generator performance.