Chemistry for commercial scale production of yttrium-90 for medical research

• Published in: International journal of radiation applications and instrumentation. Part A, Applied radiation and isotopes Applied radiation and isotopes, 1990, Vol.41 (9), p.861-865
• Main Authors: Wike, J.S., Guyer, C.E., Ramey, D.W., Phillips, B.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Inorganic chemistry and origins of life; Isotope Labeling; Isotopes and labelled compounds chemistry; Preparations and properties; Radiochemistry; Yttrium Radioisotopes - analysis; Yttrium Radioisotopes - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0883-2889
• DOI: 10.1016/0883-2889(90)90064-N

Studies were initiated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in 1982 for the radiolabeling of resin microspheres with yttrium-90 ( 90Y) for liver cancer therapy. Yttrium-90 is the decay product of strontium-90 ( 90Sr). Subsequently, 90Y became a major radioisotope of choice for labeling antibodies for therapeutic trials in the treatment of other forms of cancer. A 25-Ci 90Y generator or 90Sr cow was placed in service to supply the anticipated needs of customers. In vivo use of 90Y required that the 90Sr contamination levels be kept below 10 μCi/Ci 90Y (corrected to preparation time). Also, it was necessary to remove trace metals that interfered in the 90Y antibody radiolabeling process, giving low radiolabeling yields. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) in dodecane has been used routinely at ORNL to extract 90Y and thereby give a product that meets the radiochemical purity required with respect to 90Sr. Methods were also developed to remove interfering trace elements to provide acceptable labeling yields.