The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has developed the technology to produce the medical isotope copper-67 (Cu-67) for simultaneous cancer diagnosis and treatment, according to a March 4 report in the Korean Times.
The theranostic radioisotope can be injected into cancer patients to help monoclonal antibodies to destroy cancerous tumors. Cu-67 successfully destroyed approximately 80% of lung cancer cells in cellular experiments, according to KAERI.
The agency said that its cyclotron can produce a dozen mCi of Cu-67, which would be enough to supply three research institutions at the same time. Distribution of the medical isotope, which has a relatively short half-life of 2.6 days, is expected to begin in the second half of this year. Ten medical institutions already have requested the radioisotope, according to the report.
