Novel radionuclides for use in Nuclear Medicine in Europe: where do we stand and where do we go?

Abstract

Background: In order to support the ongoing research across Europe to facilitate access to novel radionuclides, the PRISMAP consortium (European medical radionuclides programme) was established to offer the broadest catalog of non-conventional radionuclides for medical and translational research. The aim of this article is to introduce readers with current status of novel radionuclides in Europe.

Main body: A consortium questionnaire was disseminated through the PRISMAP consortium and user community, professional associations and preclinical/clinical end users in Europe and the current status of clinical end-users in nuclear medicine were identified. A total of 40 preclinical/clinical users institutions took part in the survey. Clinical end users currently use the following radionuclides in their studies: ¹⁷⁷Lu, ⁶⁸ Ga, ¹¹¹In, ⁹⁰Y, other alpha emitters, ²²⁵Ac, ⁶⁴Cu and Terbium isotopes. Radionuclides that would be of interest for users within the next 2-5 years are ⁶⁴Cu, Terbium radionuclide "family" and alpha emitters, such as ²²⁵Ac.

Conclusions: Thanks to a questionnaire distributed by the PRISMAP consortium, the current status and needs of clinical end-users in nuclear medicine were identified.

Keywords: Diagnostic; PET/CT; PRISMAP programme; Radionuclides; Therapy.