The first use in humans of 24Na-sodium chloride by Hamilton and Stone in 1936 began a story in which 131I-iodide became established for treating thyroid disease and radionuclide imaging became routine in hospitals. Later a range of 99mTc-radiotracers quickly became available and they were easily synthesised in hospitals using simple kit vials, firmly establishing 99mTc as the staple medical radionuclide. In general, the close cooperation of clinicians, physicists, engineers, biologists and chemists identifies capabilities, conceives challenges, discovers solutions and applies them in the clinic. Each discipline produces innovations that in turn drive innovations in the others. This chapter explores the past and future direction of radiopharmaceutical development.
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