This article is intended to provide an overview of the production and application of (89)Zr for the professional development of nuclear medicine technologists. It outlines the cyclotron targeting, separation and labeling options, and techniques for the preparation of the radionuclide (89)Zr (half-life, 78.4 h [3.3 d]) used in PET. Unlike the commonly used (18)F-FDG, with a 109.7-min half-life, the longer half-life of (89)Zr makes it possible to use high-resolution PET/CT to localize and image tumors with monoclonal antibody radiopharmaceuticals and thus potentially expand the use of PET.
Methods: This paper briefly reviews the cyclotron technique of (89)Zr production and outlines the range and preparation techniques available for making (89)Y targets as a starting material. It then discusses how cyclotron-produced (89)Zr can be separated, purified, and labeled to monoclonal antibodies for PET/CT of specific tumors.
Results: We argue that knowledge and understanding of this long-lived PET radionuclide should be part of the professional development of nuclear medicine technologists because it will lead to better patient outcomes and potentially increase the pool of collaborators in this field of research.