A comprehensive evaluation of charged-particle data for production of the therapeutic radionuclide 103Pd

Pd-103 is an important radionuclide having a half-life of 16.99 d, which is suitable for internal radiation therapy, especially used for the treatment of prostate cancer. Its production in no-carrier-added form is done via charged-particle-induced reactions and the data are available in EXFOR library. We evaluated six charged-particle-induced reactions, namely Ag-nat(p,x)Pd-103, Rh-103(p,n)Pd-103, Rh-103(d,2n)Pd-103, Ru-100(alpha,n)Pd-103, Ru-101(alpha,2n)Pd-103, and Ru-102(He-3,2n)Pd-103 process. In the first case, analysis was done up to about 100 MeV but in other cases only up to about 25 or 40 MeV. Furthermore, an evaluation of the data for the Ag-nat(p,x)Ag-103 process was also done since it may serve as a typical example for the Ag-103 -> Pd-103 precursor system. A statistical procedure supported by nuclear model calculations using the codes STAPRE, EMPIRE 2.19, and TALYS was used to validate and fit the experimental data. The recommended sets of data derived together with confidence limits are reported. The application of those data, particularly in the calculation of integral yields, is discussed. A comparison of the investigated routes from the viewpoint of practical applicability to the production of Pd-103 is given. Presently the Rh-103(p,n)Pd-103 reaction is the method of choice. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.