Radiometals, with their favorable decay properties and rich coordination chemistry, have found widespread applications inboth diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine. To ensure effective utilization, radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals are designed to target specific organs or cells. Radiometals are primarily produced in cyclotrons or reactors using stable isotopes as raw materials. Many countries, including Korea, are pursuing self-sufficiency in radiometal production at thegovernment level. This review examines the current production and supply status of raw materials for key radiometalsthat are either actively used or expected to see a significant demand growth in the future in Korea.

Purpose: Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), a member of the bombesin G-protein-coupled receptor family, is introduced as the promising target for the diagnosis and therapy of various tumors. This study aimed to develop a novel diagnostic agent of [ 113mIn]In-AMBA for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of GRPR expressing tumors. Methods: 113mIn was provided from an in-house made 113Sn/ 113mIn generator in the chloride form. [ 113mIn]In-AMBA wasprepared in the optimal conditions and the stability was checked in PBS buffer and human serum, Then the binding affinityand internalization of the radiolabeled compound were investigated in PC3 cell lines at 120 min. the biodistribution of the radiolabeled peptide was studied in normal rats. Results: [ 113mIn]In-AMBA was prepared with radiochemical purity (RCP) > 98% under the optimal labeling conditions. Thecompound indicated significant stability in PBS buffer and human serum (> 95% at 180 min post preparation). High binding affinity (51% at 60 min) and internalization (64% at 120 min) of the radiolabeled compound towards PC3 cell lines were alsoobserved. The major accumulation of the compound was seen in kidneys, and other GRPR-expressing tissues. Conclusion The biodistribution of the labeled compound in normal rats indicated rapid elimination of the complex from the blood, and considerable accumulation in the GRPR-expressing organ of pancreas, in complete agreement with similar labeled compounds. [ 113mIn]In-AMBA can be a suitable candidate for SPECT imaging of GRPR-expressed tumors.

Background: Penile Cancer is a rare and aggressive disease. Related to complex metabolic processes. Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness ­of 18F-FDG PET/CT as a noninvasive method in evaluating penile cancer patients, focusing on the correlation between tissue expression of key tumor markers involved in glucose metabolism and proliferation, and the uptake of 18F-FDG. Methods: Fifty-one patients were selected and underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT-based staging. Semiquantitative analysis wasperformed using the maximum standardized uptake value ­(SUVmax ) and volumetric SUV ­(SUV2SD ). Tissue expressionanalysis of GLUT-1, hexokinase-II, Ki67, p16, and p53 was performed by tissue microarray. PCR evaluated HPV DNA. Results: Warty SCC showed the highest SUV value and significant differences in ­SUVmax (p=0.015). Higher ­SUVmax and SUV2SD values were observed in grade 3 tumors. In typical invasive SCC, grade 3, HPV+, p16-negative, p53-negative,GLUT-1 i-3, and HK-II i-3 tumors showed a higher mean SUV. The Ki-67 value significantly differed for grade 3 tumors (p=0.001) and HK-II i-1 tumors (p=0.036). Ki-67 positivity was also higher in HPV-, p16 i-2, p53 i-3, and GLUT-1 i-3 tumors; none of the differences were statistically significant. Conclusions The study highlights correlations between the uptake of 18F-FDG and the expression of markers associated with glycolytic metabolism in penile cancer. It suggests a potential trend where increased expression of glucose transport markers is linked to higher histological grades and Ki-67 expression. There were no significant differences regarding HPV positivity, demonstrating the complexity of penile cancer molecular biology and need more studies with a higher number of patients.

Objectives: To assess the trends and disparities in the utilization of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in Korea between 2018 and 2022, with a focus on disease classification, patient demographics, and regional distribution. Methods: This national surveillance retrospective study uses data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database, which includes all FDG PET/CT examinations conducted in Korea from 2018 to 2022. Disease classifications, cancer types, age groups, gender, and geographic regions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Utilization rates per 100,000 population were calculated for regional comparisons. Results: FDG PET/CT utilization increased by 25.4%, from 174,885 examinations in 2018 to 219,377 in 2022. Older age groups (60 years and above) accounted for the majority of examinations, with males undergoing more examinations than females. Oncology remained the primary indication, with lung, colorectal, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma leading in examination numbers. The number of examinations performed on patients aged 60 and above increased at a higher rate compared to those under 60. Significant geographic disparities were found, with Seoul reporting the highest utilization rate (1,114.3 examinations per 100,000 population), while Gyeongbuk exhibited much lower rate (26.2 examinations per 100,000 population). Conclusions This study highlights the growing utilization of FDG PET/CT in Korea, particularly among older adults, with significant gender differences in cancer types. The findings also reveal disparities in FDG PET/CT utilization across regions, indicating varying access to advanced imaging technology.

Purpose: For several decades, bone scintigraphy (BS) has been used as a diagnostic tool for arthritis in patients with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome. Artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic supporting systems are effective in BS. The bone scan index (BSI) on BS with AI diagnostic support systems has been used for bone tumors.However, its application in arthritis has not been validated. The current study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of BSI using an AI diagnostic supporting system for arthritis in patients with SAPHO syndrome. Methods: The regional BSI (rBSI) of arthritis uptake around the sternoclavicular and sternocostal joints on BS in patients with SAPHO syndrome was calculated using an AI diagnostic supporting system (VSBONE BSI®). For comparison, patients with degenerative changes on BS in the same region were evaluated. rBSI was calculated using the same process. Results: This study included 43 patients with SAPHO syndrome and 48 with degenerative changes. The rBSIs with the diagnostic supporting system were 0.19 ± 0.19 in patients with SAPHO syndrome and 0.043 ± 0.056 in those with degenerative changes. Patients with SAPHO syndrome had significantly higher rBSIs than those with degenerative changes (P < 0.001).A cutoff value of 0.030 for rBSI in the region of interest had a sensitivity of 0.98 and specificity of 0.63 for differentiating arthritis from degenerative changes (area under the curve: 0.87, 95% confidence interval: 0.81–0.92). Conclusion The objective evaluation of arthritis using rBSI calculated with an AI diagnostic supporting system may be useful.