REDC Product Development and Cf Program

Nuclear Medicine Program

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 tin-117m 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.