Compact Accelerator-Based Production of Carrier-free ${}^{177}$Lu From 18 MeV $D^{+}$ on [${}^{176}$Yb]Yb${}_2$O${}_3$

Abstract

We use experimental and simulated excitation functions to estimate the yield of deuteron activations on a [${}^{176}$Yb]Yb${}_2$O${}_3$ target enriched to 99%. Subsequent calculations are used to determine the production of radiotherapeutic ${}^{177}$Lu according to a 10 mA, 18 MeV $D^{+}$ compact linear accelerator. The design comprises a single radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator (RFQ) and seven drift tube linacs (DTLs) that achieve a beam efficiency of 99.5% over a length of $12\text{m}$. Our results show that a 5-day irradiation can yield more than $1$ mg of ${}^{177}$Lu, exceeding $4.4$ TBq. After a 2 day processing period, it is estimated that the sample will have a radiopurity greater than 99.8% (carrier-free). Given recent EMA and FDA approvals of ${}^{177}$Lu-DOTATATE and ${}^{177}$Lu-PSMA-617, our results confirm the viability of accelerator-based ${}^{177}$Lu production and provide a promising clinical alternative to reactor-based methods.