Optimized production of 67Cu based on cross section measurements of 67Cu and 64Cu using an 18 MeV medical cyclotron

: RadioNuclide Therapy (RNT) in nuclear medicine is a cancer treatment based on the administration of radioactive substances that specifically target cancer cells in the patient. These radiopharmaceuticals consist of tumor-targeting vectors labeled with β-, α, or Auger electron-emitting radionuclides. In this framework, 67Cu is receiving increasing interest as it provides β--particles accompanied by low-energy γ radiation. The latter allows to perform Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) imaging for detecting the radiotracer distribution for an optimized treatment plan and follow-up. Furthermore, 67Cu could be used as therapeutic partner of the β+-emitters 61Cu and 64Cu, both currently under study for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, paving the way to the concept of theranostics. The major barrier to a wider use of 67Cu-based radiopharmaceutical is its lack of availability in quantities and qualities suitable for clinical applications. A possible but challenging solution is the proton irradiation of enriched 70Zn targets, using medical cyclotrons equipped with a solid target station. This route was investigated at the Bern medical cyclotron, where an 18 MeV cyclotron is in operation together with a solid target station and a 6-m-long beam transfer line. The cross section of the involved nuclear reactions were accurately measured to optimize the production yield and the radionuclidic purity. Several production tests were performed to confirm the obtained results.