Tungsten (188w) / Rhenium (188re)

What it is and how it works

The generator contains tungsten-188 adsorbed on an alumina column, which decays (half-life about 69 days) to rhenium-188. Rhenium-188 is eluted with sodium chloride solution as sodium perrhenate; it emits high-energy beta particles for therapy and gamma photons that allow imaging, with a half-life of about 17 hours.

Indications

Source of rhenium-188 perrhenate for radiolabelling of carrier molecules and kits used in therapeutic nuclear medicine (e.g. bone pain palliation, radiosynovectomy, intra-arterial liver therapy, skin cancer therapy); not for direct administration to patients.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Not administered directly; the eluate is used to prepare radiopharmaceuticals, whose dosing is individualised according to protocol by nuclear medicine specialists.

Warnings and precautions

Elution, quality control (including tungsten-188 breakthrough and radiochemical purity) and handling must be performed by trained personnel in authorised facilities with radiation protection.

Pregnancy

Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are contraindicated in pregnancy; pregnancy must be excluded before administration.

Storage and supply

Store in appropriate lead shielding in accordance with national regulations for radioactive materials and the manufacturer’s instructions; use within the stated shelf-life after calibration.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.