Modelling of the 177mLu/177Lu radionuclide generator. (December 2020) - Bhardwaj, Rupali
Abstract: In order to determine the potential of 177m Lu/ 177 Lu radionuclide generator in 177 Lu production it is important to establish the technical needs that can lead to a clinically acceptable 177 Lu product quality. In this work, a model that includes all the processes and the parameters affecting the performance of the 177m Lu/ 177 Lu radionuclide generator has been developed. The model has been based on the use of a ligand to complex 177m Lu ions, followed by the separation of the freed 177 Lu ions. The dissociation kinetics of the Lu-ligand complex has been found to be the most crucial aspect governing the specific activity and 177m Lu content of the produced 177 Lu. The dissociation rate constants lower than 1*10 -11 s -1 would be required to lead to onsite 177 Lu production with specific activity close to theoretical maximum of 4.1 TBq 177 Lu/mg Lu and with 177m Lu content of less than 0.01%. Lastly, the calculations suggest that more than one patient dose per week can be supplied for a period of up to 7 months on starting with the 177m Lu produced using 3 g Lu2 O3 target with 60% 176 Lu enrichment. The requirements of the starting 177m Lu activity production needs to be adapted depending on the required patient doses, and the technical specifications of the involved 177m Lu- 177 Lu separation process. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A model that includes all the processes and parameters affecting the performance of the 177m Lu/ 177 Lu radionuclide generator has been developed. The specific activity and 177m Lu content of the produced 177 Lu are mainly determined by the dissociation kinetics of the Lu-ligand complex. One patient per week can be supplied for a period of up to 7 months with the 177m Lu produced using 3 g Lu2 O3 target with 60% 176 Lu enrichment.