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<p>The global supply crises associated with the <sup>99m</sup>Tc isotope, which constitutes one of the most widely used radionuclides in nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures, have significantly increased the need for alternative and sustainable production routes. Since conventional <sup>99m</sup>Tc production largely depends on aging nuclear reactors and the fission of highly enriched uranium targets, interruptions in reactor operation, transportation limitations, and geopolitical factors have led to periodic shortages worldwide. These challenges have accelerated interest in accelerator-based production techniques, particularly direct cyclotron production methods, as a reliable and decentralized alternative for medical isotope generation. In this study, the direct production of <sup>99m</sup>Tc through the <sup>100</sup>Mo(p,2n)<sup>99m</sup>Tc reaction was investigated using theoretical nuclear reaction calculations together with available experimental data. The reaction mechanism was analyzed over a wide proton energy range relevant to hospital-type and medium-energy medical cyclotrons. The calculated reaction cross-sections and astrophysical S-factor values were systematically evaluated and compared with experimental datasets obtained from the international EXFOR nuclear reaction database. These comparisons enabled the assessment of the predictive performance of the theoretical models and the determination of the most efficient energy intervals for isotope production. The graphical analyses obtained within the scope of the study reveal the proton energy regions where the production yield of <sup>99m</sup>Tc reaches its maximum while minimizing unwanted by-product formation. In particular, the results demonstrate that optimized irradiation conditions can significantly enhance radionuclide purity and production efficiency, which are critical parameters for routine clinical applications. Furthermore, the study highlights the technological and economic potential of existing medical cyclotrons to contribute to regional or local <sup>99m</sup>Tc supply chains without relying exclusively on reactor-based production systems. The findings of this work provide valuable insight into the optimization of accelerator-based radioisotope production and support ongoing efforts toward establishing more sustainable, flexible, and clinically accessible <sup>99m</sup>Tc production infrastructures for modern nuclear medicine applications.</p>

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The 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc reaction: production analysis and clinical yield

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月20日

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摘要

The global supply crises associated with the 99mTc isotope, which constitutes one of the most widely used radionuclides in nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures, have significantly increased the need for alternative and sustainable production routes. Since conventional 99mTc production largely depends on aging nuclear reactors and the fission of highly enriched uranium targets, interruptions in reactor operation, transportation limitations, and geopolitical factors have led to periodic shortages worldwide. These challenges have accelerated interest in accelerator-based production techniques, particularly direct cyclotron production methods, as a reliable and decentralized alternative for medical isotope generation. In this study, the direct production of 99mTc through the 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc reaction was investigated using theoretical nuclear reaction calculations together with available experimental data. The reaction mechanism was analyzed over a wide proton energy range relevant to hospital-type and medium-energy medical cyclotrons. The calculated reaction cross-sections and astrophysical S-factor values were systematically evaluated and compared with experimental datasets obtained from the international EXFOR nuclear reaction database. These comparisons enabled the assessment of the predictive performance of the theoretical models and the determination of the most efficient energy intervals for isotope production. The graphical analyses obtained within the scope of the study reveal the proton energy regions where the production yield of 99mTc reaches its maximum while minimizing unwanted by-product formation. In particular, the results demonstrate that optimized irradiation conditions can significantly enhance radionuclide purity and production efficiency, which are critical parameters for routine clinical applications. Furthermore, the study highlights the technological and economic potential of existing medical cyclotrons to contribute to regional or local 99mTc supply chains without relying exclusively on reactor-based production systems. The findings of this work provide valuable insight into the optimization of accelerator-based radioisotope production and support ongoing efforts toward establishing more sustainable, flexible, and clinically accessible 99mTc production infrastructures for modern nuclear medicine applications.