Cyclotrons are used for preparation of a wide variety of radionuclides that find application in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as well as in positron emission tomography (PET). This publication gives comprehensive guidelines for the planning and decision making processes and design and implementation of a cyclotron based radionuclide production facility. It will enable Member States to plan such facilities in a cost effective manner.

Cyclotrons are currently used for the preparation of a wide variety of radionuclides that have applications in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). Consequently, there is high demand from IAEA Member States for support in the area of radiopharmaceutical production using cyclotron produced radioisotopes. This publication describes the potential radionuclide production routes using cyclotrons in different energy ranges and provides methods for the development of targets and provides details of the chemistry for the separation of radionuclides from target materials. The readership of this publication includes scientists, operators interested in putting this technology into practice, technologists already working with cyclotrons who wish to enhance the utility of existing machines, and managers in the process of setting up radionuclide facilities in their countries. Students working towards higher level degrees in related fields may also benefit from this publication.

This publication provides practical information for planning and operating a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) production facility, including design and implementation of the laboratories, facility layout, equipment, personnel, and quality assessment of FDG. Information useful for assessing the resource requirements, planning and aspects necessary for compliance with the applicable national regulatory requirements for manufacturing of radio-pharmaceuticals is also included.

Nearly 20 million nuclear medicine procedures are carried out each year in the United States alone to diagnose and treat cancers, cardiovascular disease, and certain neurological disorders. Many of the advancements in nuclear medicine have been the result of research investments made during the past 50 years where these procedures are now a routine part of clinical care. Although nuclear medicine plays an important role in biomedical research and disease management, its promise is only beginning to be realized. Advancing Nuclear Medicine Through Innovation highlights the exciting emerging opportunities in nuclear medicine, which include assessing the efficacy of new drugs in development, individualizing treatment to the patient, and understanding the biology of human diseases. Health care and pharmaceutical professionals will be most interested in this book's examination of the challenges the field faces and its recommendations for ways to reduce these impediments.

This book provides a comprehensive treatment of cyclotrons, with a special emphasis on production of radionuclides. Individual sections are devoted to accelerator technology, theoretical aspects of nuclear reactions, the technology behind targetry, techniques for preparation of targets, irradiation of targets under high beam currents, target processing and target recovery. This book will appeal to scientists and technologists interested in translating cyclotron technology into practice, as well as postgraduate students in this field.

Application of radioisotopes has shown significant growth in the past decade, and a major factor contributing towards this growth is the availability of a large number of cyclotrons dedicated to the production of radioisotopes for medical applications. Although there are many articles in journals on cyclotrons and their use for radioisotope production, there is no single source of information for beginners on radioisotope production using cyclotrons. This publication attempts to address this deficiency. Its contains chapters on accelerator technology, theoretical considerations of nuclear reactions, the technology behind targetry, techniques on preparation of targets, irradiation of targets under high beam currents, target processing and target recovery.