Accelerator production of 122Xe(20.1 h) as a source of 122I(3.6 m) labeled radiopharmaceuticals for applications in positron emission tomography

Iodine-122 (3.6 m) radiopharmaceuticals have a proven potential for accelerator-free PET studies, including brain and heart perfusion, using a 122Xe→122I transportable generator. Nuclear reactions with up to 70 MeV proton beams were studied to produce the parent 122Xe(20.1 h) radionuclide. Theoretical and experimental measurements indicated that 122Xe can be produced in high yields allowing for an extensive use of a 122Xe→122I generator capable of producing multiple doses of 122I radiopharmaceuticals. Other lower energy reactions were studied and the results indicated the possibility of developing new methods that could be available to a larger number of commercial and research accelerators operating worldwide.