Automated production of copper radioisotopes and preparation of high specific activity [Cu-64]Cu-ATSM for PET studies

Cu-60 and Cu-64 are useful radioisotopes for positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals and may be used for the preparation of promising agents for diagnosis and radiotherapy. In this study, the production and purification of Cu-60/64 starting from Ni-60/64 using a new automated system, namely Alceo, is described. A dynamic process for electrodeposition and dissolution of Ni-60/64/Cu-60/64 was developed. Preliminary production yields of Cu-60 and Cu-64 were 400 and 300 mCi, respectively. Cu-64 was used to radiolabel the hypoxia detection tracer ATSM with a specific activity of 2.2 +/- 1.3 Ci/mu mol. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.