DefinePK

Abstract

Rhenium-188 (188Re) is a high energy beta-emitting radioisotope of widespread interest for use in nuclear medicine, oncology and other therapeutic applications. High energy beta emission (16.9 hour half-life) with Emax 2.12 MeV and gamma emission at 155 keV (15 %) are key factors for effective therapy and imaging for tissue kinetics and dosimetry evaluation. Moreover, on-demand availability of 188Re in a highly reproducible manner from the 188W/188Re generator system is an important capability for installation in a hospital-based or a central radiopharmacy for cost effective availability of no-carrier-added (NCA) 188Re. Because of the long 69.7 day half-life of the188W generator parent, the use of well-established post 188Re elution specific volume concentration technology allow generators to have a useful/predictable operational shelf-life of a few months. This paper provides a holistic review of the development, availability and use of the 188W/188Re generator prototypes.