The influence of cation-exchange cartridge on quality of [18F]NaF radiopharmaceutical

Abstract

[18F]Sodium fluoride is a positron emitting radiopharmaceutical used for imaging of metastatic bone disease and microcalcification (Ahuja et al., 2020). The radioisotope fluorine-18 in form of anion [18F]F- is produced with proton irradiation of small volume oxygen18 enriched water in targets. After the bombardment, the irradiated enriched water, not only [18F]fluoride ion, but also contains other radioactive and nonradioactive ions (Köhler et al., 2013, Choi et al., 2016). According to the European Pharmacopoeia monograph, two common approaches are used to purify the produced fluoride-18 from target water, such us anion-exchange cartridges or electrochemical deposition and redissolution (Ph. Eur. 10, 01/2008:2100, 2020). By identifying the most appropriate type of SPE cartridges, this study aims to optimize the purification process and ensure the production of highquality sodium [18F]fluoride radiopharmaceutical for clinical use.