Development of Radionuclides for Theragnostic Applications at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)

The Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland, focusing on cutting-edge research in four fields, namely, Future Technologies, Energy and Climate, Health Innovation and Fundamentals of Nature. PSI develops, builds and operates complex large research facilities, in particular, one of the most powerful proton accelerators worldwide. An important component of innovative radiopharmaceuticals, especially in oncology, is the availability of various radionuclides with optimal decay properties for the improvement of diagnostic or therapeutic efficacy. The Laboratory od Radiochemistry (LRC) at PSI, in collaboration with the Center of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences (CRS), produces and further develops a variety of accelerator, reactor (or Spallation Neutron Source) and spallation-induced radionuclides via its vast networks. Medical radionuclides must be available with high-specific activity and purity. Here, the choice of nuclear reaction and subsequent radiochemical isolation strategy play a key role.