TITLE:
Production of Gallium-68 with Medium to Low Energy Cyclotrons: What Opportunities for the Development of PET Radiotracers in Senegal?
AUTHORS:
Papa Mady Sy, Mounibé Diarra
KEYWORDS:
Gallium-68, PET, Radiotracers, Cyclotron, Senegal
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Modern Physics,
Vol.13 No.3,
March
2,
2022
ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the development possibilities of radiotracers used in PET in Senegal. This is a literature review that develops the production of 68-Gallium (68Ga[Ga]) via a medium to low energy cyclotron. It shows the possibility of producing 68Ga[Ga] with a simple production reaction using a target of 68Zn. This reaction provides high production yields, at the end of the bombardment (EOB), reaching up to 80 times the activity of a generator. PET imaging may offer better sensitivity and spatial resolution compared to SPECT which is currently used in Senegal. The acquisition of this type of medium to low energy accelerator in Senegal may constitute an important phase in the development of radiotracers with the objective of installing a PET imaging. However, solutions must be provided to minimize the presence of isotopic impurities.