Production and Supply of Raw Materials for Radiometals used in Radionuclide Imaging and Therapy in Korea
10.1007/s13139-025-00907-3
- Author:
Seok-Jun SEO
1
;
Youngho SEO
Author Information
1. Korea National Institute of Rare Metals, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:REVIEW
- From:Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
2025;59(2):103-116
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
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.