Lead-212
The FIELD-LAB team selected lead-212 as one of the key isotopes for nuclear medicine by evaluating technical achievability and the potential for medical use:
- 1 alpha-emission in the decay chain, and 11-hour half-life
- long enough for targeting purposes
- short enough and with a single alpha-emission to avoid long term off-target damage.
- Favorable production route, strong and up scalable
Alpha-emitters
Unstable isotopes that become stable through the release of alpha-radiation. Alpha-radiation consists of highly energetic particles, that do not travel far but can create significant damage on their way
Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT)
Effective cancer therapy by linking an alpha-emitter to a molecule that binds specifically to cancer cells. This so-called “targeting molecule” transports the alpha-emitter to the right location, preventing damage at other locations.
Single alpha- emitting
no delayed damage
Ideal half-life
Combining effectiveness with minimal side effects
Reliable supply
Strong and reliable supply chain
Production of lead-212
212Pb is generated in the decay chain of 228Th.
228Th is generated when 226Ra, a radioactive isotope that is found in nature, is exposed to neutron irradiation in a nuclear reactor.
After the 228Th is extracted from the material, it is a radioactive source which continuously generates 212Pb through radioactive decay.
212Pb can be generated by:
- Extracting it directly from the 228Th, or
- Extracting it from the intermediate decay product 224Ra, which can be extracted from the 228Th as well.
Essential nuclear facilities
Because of the significant damage alpha-emitters can cause, the materials need to be handled carefully and in a protected environment.
FIELD-LAB’s radiological laboratories allow for safe handling of alpha-emitters. Here the processes of separation and purification have been developed.
Then, these processes will be transferred to the available alpha-laboratory, where larger amounts of material can be handled and processed.
The first test batch for R&D and pre-clinical purposes was delivered to FIELD-LAB partners.
GMP production
The last phase will be to transfer the processes to (GMP) hot cells. 212Pb, and its mother isotope 224Ra, will be produced in larger quantities and in line with the highest quality standards. This allows the material to be used for patients in a clinical research setting.
The GMP cell environment also allows manufacturing of radiopharmaceutical products, for example by linking the alpha-emitter to a cancer cell targeting molecule (labelling).
Experience & Partnership
With the experience collected in the FIELD-LAB partnership, and the infrastructure in Petten that was made available, we have been able to establish the production of Lead-212, a medical isotope with great perspective for cancer therapy with maximal efficiency and minimal side effects.
Relevant products
Lutetium - 177
Yttrium - 90
Iridium - 192
Terbium - 161
