Radiochemical separation of no-carrier-added 186Re from proton irradiated tungsten target

Rhenium-186 [t½ = 3.7 d, 1.07 MeV β−-particles, 137 keV γ-ray] is an emerging radioisotope which holds tremendous potential in preparation of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. This radioisotope was produced in a no-carrier-added form by irradiation of enriched 186W target via 186W(p, n) 186Re reaction in a pelletron. A facile radiochemical separation procedure based on selective solvent extraction in methylethyl ketone medium followed by column chromatography using mesoporous alumina sorbent has been developed to obtain 186Re in a form suitable for radiopharmaceutical preparation. This approach is expected to promote widespread utilization of this radioisotope for the benefit of cancer patients.