Background: This review provides a comprehensive summary of the production of (177)Lu to meet expected future research and clinical demands. Availability of options represents the cornerstone for sustainable growth for the routine production of adequate activity levels of (177)Lu having the required quality for preparation of a variety of (177)Lu-labeled radiopharmaceuticals. The tremendous prospects associated with production of (177)Lu for use in targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) dictate that a holistic consideration should evaluate all governing factors that determine its success.
Methods: While both "direct" and "indirect" reactor production routes offer the possibility for sustainable (177)Lu availability, there are several issues and challenges that must be considered to realize the full potential of these production strategies.
Results: This article presents a mini review on the latest developments, current status, key challenges and possibilities for the near future.
Conclusion: A broad understanding and discussion of the issues associated with (177)Lu production and processing approaches would not only ensure sustained growth and future expansion for the availability and use of (177)Lu-labeled radiopharmaceuticals, but also help future developments.
Keywords: Carrier-added (CA) 177Lu; Extraction chromatography (EXC); Neutron irradiation; No carrier-added (NCA) 177Lu; Radiochemical separation; Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT).