Advances in Targeted Alpha Therapy: Preparation and Separation of Alpha Radionuclides

Targeted alpha therapy(TAT) is a promising approach for the treatment of cancer and it is under fast development in the past few decades. Owing to the high linear energy transfer(LET), short path length, high relative biological effect and cytotoxicity of α particles, TAT is especially suitable for small neoplasms, disseminated tumor and micro metastases. However, the poor availability, complicated radiochemical separation and purification process of alpha radionuclides have long stunted the development of TAT. Focusing on the availability of medical alpha radionuclides, this paper reviews the literature concerning the physical properties, preparation routes and purification methods of some alpha radionuclides(225Ac, 213Bi, 212Pb, 212Bi, 227Th, 223Ra, 230U, 226Th, 211At, 149Tb) that have potential applications in targeted alpha therapy.