Scientists at Russia’s Research Institute of Nuclear Materials (INM JSC) have developed a technology for the production of beta emitting terbium-161 isotope used in the treatment of cancer.
The plan is to start the production of a wide range of new-generation radiopharmaceuticals based on the radionuclide. Located in Zarechny, Sverdlovsk Oblast, INM JSC is part of the Rosatom scientific division. INM has provided a pilot batch of the new product to the A.M. Granov Russian Scientific Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies of the Russian Ministry of Health for testing purposes.
Researchers are currently investigating the potential uses of this isotope. Its distinctive physical and chemical properties, as well as its wide radiation spectrum suggest a possibility of developing a variety of radiopharmaceuticals for treating various types of tumour and other conditions that require high precision radiotherapy. Russia did not produce this radiopharmaceutical previously.
Terbium-161 production begins with gadolinium-160 produced by another Rosatom subsidiary, Elektrokhimpribor. The base material is expected to allow the state-owned company to develop a reliable and effective production chain for the Terbium-161 isotope. INM carries out reactor testing and post-reactor research for the nuclear industry using equipment including the IVV-2M research reactor for isotope production.
“Preclinical studies have shown that the dose of terbium-161 is, on average, 1.5 times higher than that of similar pharmaceuticals. This allows for a reduction in the amount of radiopharmaceutical administered compared to those based on lutetium as well as for reduced patient exposure and irradiation of healthy organs and tissues,” said Andrey Stanzhevsky, Dr. habil. med., Associate Professor, Deputy Research Director at the A.M. Granov Center.
