Manufacturing Actinium for Cancer Treatment
The use of Actinium-225 to treat certain forms of cancer is gaining ground as a viable treatment option. By manufacturing Actinium-225 and delivering it directly to cancer cells, doctors are able to deliver targeted radiation that can help to shrink and even eliminate tumors. In this article, we explore the process of manufacturing Actinium-225, the potential benefits of using Actinium-225 to treat cancer, and the safety considerations that must be taken into account. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Actinium?
Actinium is a radioactive metal that is used in the field of cancer treatment, specifically as an aid in radiation therapy. It is a naturally occurring element, found in uranium ore, and can be produced synthetically in a laboratory environment. Actinium is a member of the actinide group of elements, and is composed of several isotopes, each of which has a different atomic weight. The most common isotope used for medical purposes is Actinium-225, which has a half-life of 10 days and emits alpha particles.
In the field of cancer treatment, Actinium-225 is used in combination with other elements to create a radioactive compound known as an alpha-emitting radionuclide. This compound is then used to target and kill cancer cells in a process known as targeted alpha therapy. The compound binds to a protein, such as a monoclonal antibody, which will recognize and bind to specific cancer cells. The alpha particles emitted by the Actinium-225 then destroys the cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
Manufacturing Actinium for medical purposes is a complex process. It begins with the enrichment of uranium ore, which is then processed to separate the radium 226 isotope from other isotopes. This isotope is then further processed to create a compound that can be used in cancer treatment. It is important to note that this process is highly regulated, as AC-225 is a radioactive element and must be handled with extreme care.
In conclusion, Actinium is a radioactive element that is used in the cancer treatment field, specifically as an aid in radiation therapy. It is produced from uranium ore and then further processed to create a compound that can be used in targeted alpha therapy. Manufacturing Actinium for medical purposes is a complex process that is highly regulated due to the element’s radioactive properties.
What is Actinium Used For?
Actinium is a radioactive, silvery-white metal which is used in the manufacturing of cancer treatments. It it is not found naturally and is produced in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators. Its most common use is in the manufacturing of Bismuth 223 b a radioactive isotope of radium which is used to treat prostate cancer. It is also used in the production of medical isotopes, which are used to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer. Additionally, actinium has been used in the study of nuclear physics, and in the production of scientific research materials.
Solving the Actinium Shortage
Obtaining Actinium has posed a unique challenge for researchers and physicians, with its traditionally difficult production and acquisition process. Commercially available quantities of Actinium remain small, and the development of new techniques to manufacture the element has become a priority for many in the scientific community.
The difficulty in obtaining Actinium lies in the fact that it is a product of a highly radioactive element, Radium 226 and poses extreme safety risks for those attempting to work with it. As such, production is highly regulated and must adhere to strict guidelines and protocols. The process of manufacturing Actinium typically involves the use of a particle accelerator and a high-powered source of neutrons, which bombard the target material, usually Radium 226, to produce a reaction that yields the desired element.
The process is delicate and time-consuming, requiring the utmost precision and safety protocols. In addition, the end product is often of low quality, and high levels of contamination are difficult to avoid. This has limited the amount of Actinium available for research and medical applications.
The development of more efficient and cost-effective methods of producing Actinium such as those pioneered by NIT Research are a major breakthrough, as the element is a key component in the development of medical treatments and diagnostic tools. For example, Actinium-225 has been used to treat certain types of cancer, e.g. prostate and can be used for medical imaging and alpha particle therapy.
How NIT Research is Helping
NIT Research has developed advanced techniques of producing Actinium in a reliable, safe, and cost-effective manner. This has enabled the production of the isotope for use in the medical field for cancer treatments. NIT Research has also found ways to reduce the amount of waste generated during production, making the production process more sustainable. The production process also helps to reduce the cost of the isotope, which makes it more accessible to researchers, physicians and patients who are in need of the treatment.
Altogether, the ability for physicians and researchers to access Actinium for Cancer Treatment is a critical step in the fight against cancer. It can provide a powerful and effective way to deliver targeted radiation to cancer cells while minimizing the negative side effects that chemotherapy and other treatments have. By manufacturing a consistent supply of this element, NIT Research helps patients and physicians benefit from the latest treatments and technologies, giving them a greater chance of successful treatment.
Producing Actinium-225
NIT has successfully produced Actinium 225 from Radium 226 on a cyclotron with a (p, 2n) process avoiding the production of harmful impurities such as Actinium 227. We have demonstrated in prior publications our ability to make nanoparticles from Actinium 225 and load the nanoparticles with antibodies. We have now identified PSA antibodies for prostate tumors, and will use the monoclonal antibody Herceptin for breast tumors.
We use an initial amount of Radium 226 to produce Actinium 225 daily. In the process we will recover the Radium 226 and continue to use it to load our targets. The goal is a radiopharmaceutical for prostate cancer and breast cancer so we can begin clinical trials in the third quarter of 2023.