Promethium-149 ( 149 Pm) as a potential theranostic radioisotope: a feasibility study of 149 Pm production at the Bandung TRIGA research reactor

Promethium-149 ( ¹⁴⁹ Pm) is a carrier free radiolanthanide that emits moderate-energy beta particles and has high potential as a novel theranostic radioisotope for nuclear medicine applications. This study describes the production of the ¹⁴⁹ Pm radioisotope from enriched neodymium oxide (Nd ₂ O ₃ ) targets at the Bandung TRIGA research reactor and its supporting facilities, including theoretical calculations using computer codes, target preparation, neutron activation, separation of ¹⁴⁹ Pm radionuclide from Nd/Pm matrix, purification, and physicochemical characterization. The obtained ¹⁴⁹ Pm was in the form of a ¹⁴⁹ PmCl ₃ solution, which remained stable at room temperature for up to 8 days after preparation with high radiochemical and radionuclide purities, thereby fulfilling the requirements for uses as a precursor in the preparation of various targeted radiopharmaceutical for cancer therapy.