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.

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.

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.

The work describes the production technology of standard medical radionuclides using reactors and cyclotrons for patient diagnosis and therapy. A special focus lies on the science and technology involved in the development of novel radionuclides for positron emission tomography (PET) and internal targeted radiotherapy. The availability of those radionuclides is opening up new potential in clinical research, especially in neurology, cardiology and oncology. The future perspectives of the developing technology are also discussed.

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.

This publication presents a comprehensive overview of the technologies involved in the production of cyclotron based 99mTc. These would include techniques relevant to preparation of targets, irradiation of targets under high beam currents, target processing, target recovery and quality control of the final product. The publication provides broad information, well supported with references, on improved production routes and improved separation and purification of cyclotron based 99mTc. These approaches achieve high specific activity and chemical purity of 99mTc suitable for labelling molecules of medical interest and also enable spare capacity to be available at medical cyclotron centres. The readership of this publication is scientists interested in translating this technology to practice, technologists already working with cyclotrons wanting to enhance the utility of the existing machines and managers who are in the process of setting up facilities in their countries. Students working towards higher level degrees in related fields may also benefit from this publication.

The complexity and vulnerability of the human body has driven the development of a diverse range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in modern medicine. The Nuclear Medicine procedures of Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Radionuclide Therapy are well-established in clinical practice and are founded upon the principles of radiation physics. This book will offer an insight into the physics of nuclear medicine by explaining the principles of radioactivity, how radionuclides are produced and administered as radiopharmaceuticals to the body and how radiation can be detected and used to produce images for diagnosis. The treatment of diseases such as thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism and lymphoma by radionuclide therapy will also be explored.

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.