Current status on cyclotron facilities and related infrastructure supporting PET applications in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

This review presents the results of a survey conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency on cyclotrons and related infrastructure used for radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical production which are supporting PET imaging applications in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Keywords: Cyclotrons; IAEA database of cyclotrons; Latin America & Caribbean; PET radiopharmaceuticals; Radionuclide production.

Fig. 1

Latin America and Caribbean map of Member States operating cyclotrons for radionuclide production (Map created using mapchart: https://mapchart.net/)

Fig. 2

Distribution of cyclotrons sorted by manufacturer (n = 67)

Fig. 3

Distribution of proton energy for existing cyclotrons in the region (n = 67)

Fig. 4

Distribution of cyclotrons by installation year (n = 45)

Fig. 5

Number of institutions producing a particular radionuclide

Fig. 6

Distribution of chemistry modules by specific manufacturers

Fig. 7

Main fluorine-18 radiopharmaceuticals produced in the region

Fig. 8

Main carbon-11 radiopharmaceuticals produced in the region

Fig. 9

Institutions producing ⁶⁸Ga-radiopharmaceuticals and the source of Ga-68

Fig. 10

Institution’s reporting on availability of equipment for quality control of radiopharmaceuticals

Fig. 11

Radiopharmaceuticals distribution patterns in the region (n = 46)

Fig. 12

Institutions reporting preclinical imaging facilities with availability of different types of imaging modalities in the region

Fig. 13

Important aspects of human resources of cyclotron facilities in the region

Fig. 14

Availability of training/education programs in cyclotron facilities of the region (n = 46)

Fig. 15

Facilities reporting health regulation in their countries (regarding radiopharmaceutical production and use) and enforcement of GMP (n = 46)