The production and application of therapeutic ⁶⁷Cu radioisotope in nuclear medicine

Radioisotopes emitting low-range highly ionizing radiation such as ${\beta}$-particles are of increasing significance in internal radiotherapy. Among the ${\beta}$-particle emitting radioisotopes, $^{67}Cu$ is an attractive radioisotope for various nuclear medicine applications due to its medium energy ${\beta}$-particle, gamma emissions, and 61.83-hour half-life, which can also be used with $^{64}Cu$ for PET imaging. The production and application of the ${\beta}$-emitting radioisotope $^{67}Cu$ for therapeutic radiopharmaceutical are outlined, and different production routes are discussed. A survey of copper chelators used for antibody labeling is provided. It has been produced via proton, alpha, neutron, and gamma irradiations followed by solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrodeposition. Clinical studies using $^{67}Cu$-labelled antibodies in lymphoma, colon carcinoma and bladder cancer patients are reviewed. Widespread use of this isotope for clinical studies and preliminary treatments has been limited by unreliable supplies, cost, and difficulty in obtaining therapeutic quantities.