We optimized the reactor production and processing of tungsten-188 and have developed the alumina-based adsorbant-type tungsten-188/rhenium-188 generator system and developed and patented new improved methods for the concentration of rhenium-188 bolus solutions to very high specific volumes. Because of the long physical half-life of the tungsten-188 parent (69 days) and the long useful generator shelf-life of several months with consistently high rhenium-188 yields (75-80 % at equilibrium), this generator system holds great promise in providing the cost-effective rhenium-188 radioisotope for routine use for a variety of therapeutic applications. An important aspect of using rhenium-188 for many applications in contrast to other therapeutic radioisotopes is the anticipated very low costs for unit-dose, which would contribute to the reduction of health care costs. The tungsten-188/rhenium-188 generator is the major medical radioisotope distributed for routine sale through the ORNL Isotope Business Office. Several collaborative clinical programs are evaluating our
rhenium-188-labeled phosphonates for bone pain treatment, and Phase I studies with the
rhenium-188-labeled HEDP and Re(V)-DMSA agents have shown specific targeting
of skeletal metastases in patients presenting with metastases from various cancers (See
Clinical Trials section). Protocols have
also been developed initially with collaborators at Columbia University for clinical
evaluation of new rhenium-188 agents for inhibition of restenosis following coronary
angioplasty. A CRADA had also been
established with to explore various HFIR-produced radioisotopes for introvascular
brachytherapy. Protocols have also been
developed for use of particles for arthritis therapy and tumor-specific antibodies for
radioimmunotherapy.
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