Radioisotope Processing Technology and Radionuclide Generator Research
The ORNL HFIR is a key resource for the ORNL program. This powerful research
reactor has the highest steady-state neutron flux of any reactor in the
world. Our optimization of the reactor production and processing of tungsten-188
and N 2.5 x 1015 neutrons/cm2/ sec for lutetium-177 are key examples of our research which now make these important radioisotopes
routinely available. A clinical prototype alumina-based tungsten-188/rhenium-188
generator has been developed, optimized for clinical use and a new efficient
process for rhenium-188 concentration developed and patented. This process
was initially licensed to Mallinckrodt Medical in 1997 and a Cooperative
Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) was established for evaluation
of rhenium-188 and rhenium-186 for inhibition of arterial restenosis after
balloon angioplasty. A variety of physician-approved clinical protocols
are in progress for use of rhenium-188 for restenosis therapy and bone
pain palliation and generators are routinely provided through the ORNL Isotope Business Office. Production of tin-117m in the HFIR has also been optimized and this radioisotope has been provided
for clinical trials for Sn-117m-DTPA for bone pain palliation. Bismuth-213 is available from the actinium-225/bismuth-213
generator and the actinium-225 parent is provided routinely for sale from
ORNL.
