Wet preparation of radiotherapy sources

Abstract

To generate diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DART) sources loaded with radium-223 or radium-224 atoms.SOLUTION: A method of accumulating radium radionuclides comprises: providing a first solution including thorium radionuclides and a thorium-binding extractant, where the first solution does not bind to radium; allowing a portion of the thorium radionuclides in the first solution to decay into radium atoms; and collecting radium atoms resulting from the decay. The collected radium atoms may be included in a solution in which a brachytherapy source is dipped, in a manner of collecting the radium atoms on the brachytherapy source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to radiation therapy, and in particular to methods for preparing alpha radiation therapy sources. [Background technology]

[0002] Alpha particles are a powerful tool for the radiotherapy of certain types of tumors, including malignant tumors. One type of alpha radiotherapy source is a diffuse alpha radiotherapy (DART) source loaded with radium-223 or radium-224 atoms with a half-life that is appropriate for the treatment (e.g., not too long or too short).

[0003] Kelson, U.S. Pat. No. 8,834,837, describes a method for preparing an alpha DART source by placing the source in a flux of radium-224 coming from a surface source of thorium-228.

[0004] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0292061 describes the separation of radionuclide fission products from a proton-irradiated thorium target. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,834,837 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0292061 Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for accumulating radium radionuclides, comprising the steps of: providing a first solution containing thorium radionuclides and a thorium-binding extractant, wherein the first solution does not bind radium; decaying a portion of the thorium radionuclides in the first solution into radium atoms; and collecting the radium atoms resulting from the decay.

[0007] Optionally, the thorium-binding extractant comprises TOPO (trioctylphosphine oxide). Optionally, collecting the radium atoms comprises collecting the radium atoms in a second solution. Alternatively or additionally, collecting the radium atoms comprises collecting the radium atoms on a brachytherapy source. Optionally, collecting the radium atoms comprises collecting the radium atoms in a second solution and immersing the brachytherapy source in the second solution. Optionally, providing the first solution comprises introducing the first solution into the chamber together with the second solution such that the radium atoms resulting from decay diffuse into the second solution. Optionally, providing the first solution comprises providing a solution including a diluent having a low level of solubility in the second solution.

[0008] Optionally, the diluent has a specific gravity lower than that of water. Optionally, the diluent includes cyclohexane. Optionally, the second solution includes a salt solution. Optionally, causing a portion of the thorium radionuclides to decay into radium atoms includes leaving the separation solution in a chamber having walls made of a material that attracts radium for a decay period, and collecting the radium atoms includes washing the radium atoms from the walls using a salt solution. Optionally, causing a portion of the thorium radionuclides in the separation solution to decay into radium atoms includes placing the first solution in a chamber having a pH below 4 from which the radium atoms can be separated without the use of acid.

[0009] In some embodiments, providing a first solution comprises providing a separation solution of a diluent having a low level of solubility and a thorium-binding extractant; combining the prepared separation solution with an initial solution containing thorium radionuclides so that thorium radionuclides from the initial solution bind to the thorium-binding extractant; and separating the separation solution from the initial solution to form the first solution.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a brachytherapy source, further comprising the steps of: providing a solution containing radium atoms; and immersing a brachytherapy source in the solution in a manner that concentrates the radium atoms in the brachytherapy source. Optionally, the method includes coating the brachytherapy source with a protective coating that prevents the radium atoms from separating from the brachytherapy source, but allows daughter nuclei of the radium atoms to leave the brachytherapy source upon decay of the radium atoms.

[0011] Optionally, coating the brachytherapy source with a protective coating comprises coating with polysulfone or polydimethylsiloxane. Optionally, coating the brachytherapy source with a protective coating comprises coating with alumina. Optionally, coating the brachytherapy source with manganese oxide before immersing the brachytherapy source in the solution. Optionally, after coating the brachytherapy source with manganese oxide, heating the brachytherapy source and allowing it to slowly cool. Optionally, the brachytherapy source comprises a manganese oxide brachytherapy source. Optionally, the solution comprises a salt solution or distilled water.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for accumulating radium radionuclides, further comprising: a first container for holding a first solution comprising thorium radionuclides and a thorium-binding extractant; a second container for holding a second solution comprising radium atoms; a pump; and a processor configured to control the pump to introduce a third solution into the first container, and after a sufficient period of time for radium atoms to be collected, remove the third solution from the first container and transfer it to the second container.

[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a brachytherapy source comprising: a base sized and shaped for insertion into a human organ for brachytherapy; a manganese oxide coating on the base; and radium atoms attached to the manganese oxide coating. Optionally, the base comprises a metal base.

[0014] Alternatively, the base comprises a non-metallic base. Optionally, the brachytherapy source further comprises a protective coating that prevents radium atoms from separating from the brachytherapy source but allows daughter nuclei of the radium atoms to leave the source. Optionally, the protective coating allows daughter nuclei of the radium atoms to leave the brachytherapy source due to energy resulting from the decay of the radium atoms. Alternatively or additionally, the protective coating allows daughter nuclei of the radium atoms to leave the brachytherapy source due to diffusion. Optionally, the protective coating comprises polysulfone or alumina. Optionally, the brachytherapy source does not contain more than 0.1% thorium atoms of the radium atoms on the brachytherapy source. Optionally, the radium atoms are attached to the manganese oxide coating in a manner resulting from annealing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart of actions performed in manufacturing an AlphaDART brachytherapy source, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a process for manufacturing a radium brachytherapy source, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A-B] 1A and 1B illustrate a chamber system before and after a radium decay period, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A-B] 10A-10C illustrate a chamber system before and after a radium decay period, according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for generating an alpha-DART brachytherapy source, according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] One aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a method for producing a solution containing radioactive radium atoms. The method includes providing a container containing thorium atoms in a solution that attracts thorium but not radium, and decaying the thorium into radium. In some embodiments, the container further includes a second solution that does not mix with the thorium solution. Once a sufficient amount of radium has been collected, the radium atoms can diffuse into the second solution, which is removed from the container along with the radium atoms. In other embodiments, the radium atoms can accumulate on the walls of the container and are collected from the walls after the thorium solution is removed from the container. The thorium optionally includes thorium-228. However, it should be noted that the principles of the present invention can also be used with thorium-227, for example, derived from actinium-227.

[0017] An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a method of producing a radium brachytherapy source, the method comprising immersing a brachytherapy source in a solution containing radium atoms in a manner such that the radium atoms collect on the brachytherapy source.

[0018] The radium solution is optionally produced using the methods described above, or alternatively, the radium solution is produced using other suitable methods known in the art, such as using a fractionation column to separate radium from thorium.

[0019] (overview) Figure 1 is a flowchart of the actions performed in manufacturing a radium brachytherapy source according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the process of Figure 1.

[0020] The process of FIG. 1 begins by receiving an initial solution 20 optionally containing thorium-228 radionuclide 22. A separation solution 30 is prepared (104) formed from a thorium-binding extractant that binds thorium but not radium, has low solubility in water (i.e., less than 0.1%), and optionally has a different specific gravity than water, such as cyclohexane, dissolved in a diluent. The separation solution 30 is loaded (106) into a vessel 40 containing the received (102) initial solution 20. After an operating time (108), thorium radionuclide 22 from the initial solution 20 adheres to the thorium-binding extractant in the separation solution. Note that the diluent prevents the separation solution 30 from mixing with the initial solution 20.

[0021] The separation solution 30, now containing the thorium radionuclides 22, is separated from the initial solution 20 and placed in the radium collection chamber 60 (110), where it remains for a decay period (112) sufficient time for a proportion of the thorium radionuclides to radioactively decay into radium. After the decay period (112), the separation solution 30 is removed (114) from the radium collection chamber 60, leaving behind the radium atoms 62 that are not bound to the separation solution 30. A liquid extraction solution 50 is used to flush the radium atoms 62 from the radium collection chamber 60. The brachytherapy source 80 is then immersed (116) in the extraction solution 50, collecting the radium atoms 62 on its surface. Optionally, prior to immersion (116) in the extraction solution 50, the brachytherapy source 80 is coated (130) with a manganese oxide suitable for attracting and / or binding the radium atoms 62 to the brachytherapy source 80.

[0022] In some embodiments, after the brachytherapy source 80 is removed from the extraction solution 50, the brachytherapy source is coated (118) with a suitable coating that prevents radium atoms 62 from leaving the brachytherapy source while allowing daughter radon nuclides to leave the brachytherapy source 80. In particular, the coating is optionally sufficient to prevent the release of radium atoms during thermal sterilization. Alternatively, other sterilization methods, such as gamma ray sterilization, can be used, in which case a thinner coating or no coating can be used at all. Unable to Load Full Results List

[0023] In some embodiments, the coating comprises polysulfone, such as MED2-4213 manufactured by Solvay. Alternatively or additionally, the coating comprises polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), such as Eviva EV-500 from Specialty Polymers, or Parylene N. Optionally, the coating has a thickness that allows radon diffusion through the coating. Optionally, the coating has a thickness of less than 10 microns, less than 5 microns, less than 1 micron, less than 0.5 microns, or even less than 0.3 microns. In some embodiments, the coating has a thickness of at least 0.05 microns, or even at least 0.1 microns. In other embodiments, for example, when the coating comprises a PDMS coating, the coating is relatively thick, having a thickness of at least 1 micron, at least 3 microns, or even at least 5 microns or at least 8 microns.

[0024] In some embodiments, the coating is made of aluminum oxide, also known as alumina. The alumina coating is optionally thin enough to allow for radon escape via radioactive recoil. Optionally, the alumina coating is produced using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and has a thickness of less than 50 nanometers, less than 10 nanometers, or less than 6 nanometers.

[0025] In some embodiments, before coating 118 the brachytherapy source 80, the brachytherapy source 80 is annealed by heating and allowing it to cool slowly. Optionally, in the annealing, the brachytherapy source 80 is heated to at least 275° C., at least 350° C., or even at least 400° C. In some embodiments, the annealing is performed in a low-oxygen environment, such as a vacuum, or in an inert gas environment.

[0026] (Details of separation solution) Acidic solutions containing thorium-228 are commercially available from a variety of providers, including Eckert-Ziegler in Germany and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the United States.

[0027] Preparation (104) of separation solution 30 is carried out using any suitable method known in the art, such as the method described in Afifi et al., "Extraction and Determination of Thorium and Its Application to Geological Samples Using Trioctylphosphine Oxide," Arab Journal of Nuclear Science and Applications, 45(3), 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] In some embodiments, the thorium-binding extractant comprises an organic extractant such as TOPO (trioctylphosphine oxide), tributyl phosphate, N,N,N',N'-terahexylsuccinyl-amide, N-alkylamide, trialkyl-methylammonium nitrate, didodecyl phosphate, 2-ethylhexylphenyl phosphate, diisobutyl ketone, or calixarene hexaacetate.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the thorium-binding extractant comprises one or more sulfoxides such as dibutyl-n-sulfoxide (DBSO), as described, for example, in Khan et al., "Solvent Extraction of Thorium from Nitric Acid Solutions Using Di-N-Butyl Sulfoxide (DBSO) in Xylene," Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, December 1995, col. 198, no. 2, pp. 409-421, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] In some embodiments, the thorium-binding extractant comprises an extractant that binds lead in addition to binding to thorium to reduce the amount of lead that enters the extraction solution 50 and ultimately reaches the brachytherapy source 80. Alternatively or additionally, a lead-binding material is added to the separation solution 30.

[0031] Instead of using cyclohexane as a diluent, other diluents such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, kerosene, toluene, dodecane, o-xylene, etc. are used.

[0032] In some embodiments, during the operating time (108), the vessel 40 is shaken to induce binding of thorium to the thorium-binding extractant. In these embodiments, the operating time (108) is at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, at least 3 minutes, or even at least 5 minutes. The operating time (108) is optionally less than 15 minutes, less than 10 minutes, or even less than 5 minutes.

[0033] Alternatively, the vessel 40 is not shaken during the operating time 108. According to this alternative, the operating time is long enough to allow the thorium to diffuse into the thorium-binding extractant, optionally at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, or even at least 24 hours.

[0034] Container 40 is shown as closed, which is useful especially when shaking to induce binding, although it should be noted that other types of containers, including open containers, can be used.

[0035] (Details of radium collection) In some embodiments, during the decay period (112), the extraction solution 50 is contained in the radium collection chamber 60 along with the separation solution 30 and the thorium radionuclide 22 therein, such that the radium atoms 62 formed from the decay of the thorium radionuclide 22 diffuse into the extraction solution 50. Optionally, the extraction solution 50 comprises distilled water. Optionally, the distilled water comprises at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the extraction solution 50. It has been discovered that the use of distilled water transfers the radium atoms to the brachytherapy source 80 more easily than other solutions, such as salt solutions. Optionally, in embodiments in which the extraction solution 50 comprises distilled water, the radium collection chamber 60 is formed of a material that does not tend to bind radium, such as Teflon. Alternatively, the extraction solution 50 comprises a salt solution, such as potassium chloride (KCl). Salt solutions generally reduce radium settling on the walls of the radium collection chamber 60 and therefore may be used in embodiments in which the radium collection chamber 60 comprises a glass container. However, it should be noted that even in embodiments in which the radium collection chamber 60 is not made of glass but rather of another material, such as Teflon, the extraction solution 50 may include a salt solution. Alternatively, the radium collection chamber 60 does not contain interior walls or other elements that strongly bind to the radium atoms 62 in a manner that requires an acid of pH 4 or less to extract the radium atoms 62 from the chamber. Thus, the radium atoms 62 may be collected in a non-acidic solution, which may be more convenient for transferring the radium atoms 62 to the brachytherapy source 80.

[0036] The salt in the salt solution 50 optionally has a concentration of at least 0.001 molar or at least 0.01 molar. In some embodiments, the concentration of the salt in the salt solution is less than 0.1 molar. Optionally, the pH of the salt solution is about 5 (±10%). Instead of a salt solution, the extraction solution 50 includes a weak acid having a pH between 2 and 3. According to this alternative, after removing (114) the separation solution 30 and before immersing (116) the brachytherapy source 80 in the extraction solution 50, the extraction solution 50 is optionally titrated to be suitable for delivering radium atoms 62 to the brachytherapy source 80.

[0037] In some embodiments, instead of removing the separation solution 30 from the radium collection chamber 60, the extraction solution 50 is removed to a separate container and the separation solution 30 remains in the radium collection chamber 60. Unable to load full results list

[0038] In other embodiments, during the decay period (112), the separation solution 30 and the thorium radionuclides 22 therein are disposed by themselves in the radium collection chamber 60, and the radium atoms 62 formed by the decay settle on the walls of the radium collection chamber 60. After the decay period (112), the separation solution 30 is removed from the radium collection chamber 60, and the extraction solution 50 is passed through the radium collection chamber 60 to collect the radium atoms 62 from the chamber walls. In these embodiments, the extraction solution 50 optionally includes a salt solution, such as potassium chloride (KCl), or a weak acid suitable for washing the radium atoms 62 from the walls of the radium collection chamber 60. Optionally, in these embodiments, the radium collection chamber 60 is configured in a shape with a large surface area, such as a long, narrow pillar. For example, the radium collection chamber 60 can have the shape of a long, narrow tube with a diameter of less than 15 millimeters, less than 10 millimeters, or even less than 5 millimeters. The length of the tube that serves as the radium collection chamber 60 is optionally selected depending on the amount of separation solution 30 used. In some embodiments, the tube has a length of at least 10 centimeters, or even at least 15 centimeters. Optionally, in these embodiments, the tube has two openings that allow the flow of extraction solution 50 from a first opening at one end to a second opening at the other end in a manner that washes the settling radium atoms 62 from the wall of the tube that serves as the radium collection chamber 60.

[0039] Instead of using extraction solution 50, separation solution 30 is left for a sufficient time (112) for some of the radionuclides to radioactively decay into radium. Source 80 is then immersed in separation solution 30 to collect radium atoms (62) on its surface. This alternative may be used, particularly when collection of some thorium radionuclides 22 on source 80 is acceptable and there is no need to remove thorium radionuclides 22 from the container in which source 80 is immersed. Optionally, in these embodiments, the container holding separation solution 30 comprises a material, such as Teflon, that does not bind to radium atoms 62.

[0040] (Brachytherapy Source Details) The brachytherapy source 80 can have virtually any shape suitable for brachytherapy treatment. The brachytherapy source 80 can have, for example, a cylindrical, planar, or ball shape. In some embodiments, the brachytherapy source 80 includes a material that attracts radium atoms 62 from the extraction solution 50. For example, the brachytherapy source 80 can include a metal source or be coated with a metal. These embodiments are particularly useful when the extraction solution 50 includes distilled water, which allows radium atoms 62 to diffuse to the metal source. Note that according to some of these embodiments, coating the brachytherapy source 80 with manganese oxide (130) is not necessary and can be skipped.

[0041] In some embodiments, the brachytherapy source 80 comprises a material that does not interfere with one or more medical imaging modalities, such as ultrasound or MRI, used to implant the brachytherapy source 80.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, brachytherapy source 80 includes a material for bonding with manganese oxide, which in turn bonds with radium atoms 62. Optionally, brachytherapy source 80 includes a metal base suitable for receiving the manganese oxide coating. Alternatively, brachytherapy source 80 includes a non-metallic base metal-coated with a metal that sufficiently bonds to the manganese oxide coating. Alternatively, brachytherapy source 80 includes any other material capable of bonding to the manganese oxide coating.

[0043] Manganese oxides may include manganese dioxide (MnO2), or other manganese oxides that bind to radium, such as manganese(IV) dioxide, manganese(II) oxide (MnO), manganese(II, III) oxide (Mn3O4), manganese(III) oxide (Mn2O3), and manganese(VII) oxide (Mn2O7), or mixtures of various manganese oxides.

[0044] Coating (130) of the brachytherapy source 80 with manganese oxide is optionally performed by immersing the brachytherapy source 80 in potassium permanganate (KMnO). Coating (130) is optionally performed at a temperature of at least 60°C, or even at least 80°C, e.g., about 90°C. After coating the brachytherapy source 80, the brachytherapy source and manganese oxide coating are optionally cooled slowly over at least 1 hour, or at least 6 hours. Applicant has discovered that slow cooling achieves a more stable coating. Alternatively, other suitable methods for coating with manganese oxide are used. In other embodiments, any other material suitable for binding radium atoms 62 is used instead of, or in addition to, manganese oxide.

[0045] In some embodiments, before immersing the brachytherapy source 80 in the extraction solution 50, the extraction solution 50 is diluted, concentrated, or chemically altered. For example, as described above, the extraction solution 50 may be titrated to a desired pH level, e.g., about pH 5. Dilution and / or concentration are optionally performed to bring the radium concentration in the extraction solution 50 within desired limits. Optionally, the radium concentration is at least 3 microcuries per milliliter, at least 5 microcuries per milliliter, or even at least 10 microcuries per milliliter. In some embodiments, the radium concentration is less than 60 microcuries per milliliter, less than 50 microcuries per milliliter, or even less than 40 microcuries per milliliter.

[0046] The immersion (116) of the brachytherapy source 80 in the extraction solution 50 is optionally carried out for at least 1 hour, at least 5 hours, or even at least 10 hours. Alternatively, methods known in the art for promoting radium collection in the brachytherapy source 80, such as shaking and / or mixing, are used. In some embodiments, the extraction solution 50 is heated to promote radium collection in the brachytherapy source 80. The extraction solution 50 is optionally heated to a temperature that generates an electric current in the solution, such as at least 50°C, at least 60°C, at least 75°C, or even at least 80°C. Optionally, the solution is heated to a temperature of 90°C or less or 80°C or less. According to this alternative, the immersion is optionally carried out for less than 3 hours, less than 1 hour, or even less than 30 minutes. The time (116) for immersing the brachytherapy source 80 in the extraction solution 50 is optionally selected according to the desired activity of the brachytherapy source and the concentration of radium in the extraction solution 50.

[0047] In a large-scale production embodiment of the brachytherapy source 80, the rate of production of radium atoms 62 in the radium collection chamber 60 is monitored, and if the rate drops below a desired level, the separation solution 30 is replaced with a different batch of separation solution 30 with a higher density of thorium. Alternatively, concentrated separation solution 30 with a higher density of thorium is added to the separation solution 30 currently in the radium collection chamber 60. Optionally, before adding the concentrated separation solution 30 with a higher density of thorium, a portion of the separation solution 30 with a lower density of thorium is removed from the radium collection chamber 60 to make room for the concentrated separation solution 30. Note that instead of monitoring the actual decay rate of thorium to radium, the decay rate is estimated based on the half-life of thorium and the original concentration of thorium in the separation solution 30, and the time for adding and / or replacing the separation solution 30 is pre-selected accordingly.

[0048] The concentration of thorium in the separation solution 30 while in the radium collection chamber 60 is alternatively at least 0.08 millicuries per milliliter, at least 0.1 millicuries, or at least 0.2 millicuries per milliliter. Applicant has discovered that using higher concentrations of thorium can damage the cyclohexane by causing the release of hydrogen atoms, and therefore the concentration of thorium in the separation solution 30 alternatively does not exceed 2 millicuries per milliliter, or even 1 millicurie per milliliter. In some embodiments, upper and lower limits are defined for the concentration of thorium in the separation solution 30. When the concentration reaches the lower limit, the separation solution 30 is replaced or a more concentrated thorium solution is added to the radium collection chamber 60 to bring the thorium concentration up to the upper limit.

[0049] 1 is not dependent on the quality (e.g., purity) of the initial solution 20 because the radium directed to the brachytherapy source is separated from the initial solution 20 before being directed to the brachytherapy source. Thus, the resulting brachytherapy source can be produced without mixing thorium with the radium, or with at least a small amount of thorium atoms, e.g., less than 1 percent, or even less than 0.1%, of the number of radium atoms on the brachytherapy source. Note, however, that in some cases, a brachytherapy source containing both radium and thorium is desirable. In such cases, the desired percentage of thorium can be achieved by mixing the solution with the desired concentration of thorium to form the extracted solution 50.

[0050] The method of Figure 1 allows for high utilization of thorium. Optionally, the method of Figure 1 does not require high temperatures, and in some embodiments, the entire process of Figure 1 is carried out at temperatures below 180°C or even below 140°C. However, in other embodiments, one or more stages of the method may require high temperatures above 250°C, or even above 300°C or 350°C.

[0051] (Chamber) 3A-3B show a chamber system 300 before and after a decay period (112) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The chamber system 300 is a possible implementation of the chamber 60 discussed above. The chamber 310 of the system 300 includes a top cork 302 for loading the chamber 310 with the separation solution 30 containing the thorium radionuclide 22 therein. At the bottom, the chamber 310 has a narrow opening 304 that connects to a narrow Teflon tube 306, which has a distal septum 308 through which the extraction solution 50 is introduced into the chamber 310. The septum 308, optionally made of silicone or rubber, allows for leak-free introduction and removal of liquids via a needle.

[0052] Disposition (110) of the separation solution 30 into the chamber 310 occurs through the top opening of the chamber 310, which is sealed by the top cork 302. Before, after, and / or simultaneously with disposition of the separation solution 30, an appropriate amount of extraction solution 50 is introduced into the chamber 310 through a septum 308. The extraction solution 50 fills the narrow Teflon tube 306 and a portion of the chamber 310. Because the separation solution 30 is lighter than the extraction solution 50, the separation solution 30 floats on the extraction solution 50, as shown in FIG. 3A. After a collapse period (112), the extraction solution 50 is removed from the chamber 310 through the septum 308, leaving only the separation solution 30 in the chamber 310, as shown in FIG. 3B. Note that a small portion of the extraction solution 50 optionally remains in the narrow Teflon tube 306, and not all of the extraction solution 50 is extracted from the chamber system 300. This is advantageous to ensure that no significant portion of the separation solution 30, which could contaminate the extraction solution 50, leaves the chamber system 300 with the extraction solution 50. The size of the narrow Teflon tube 306 is selected as an option so as to, on the one hand, minimize the amount of extraction solution 50 remaining in the chamber system 300, and, on the other hand, prevent remnants of the separation solution 30 from leaving the chamber system 300 with the extraction solution 50. It should be noted that instead of the Teflon tube 306, tubes of other suitable materials, such as silicone or rubber, can be used. This option is particularly useful when the separation solution 30 does not enter the tube, and therefore there is no issue of incompatibility between the separation solution 30 and the material forming the tube.

[0053] Additional extraction solution 50 can then be introduced into chamber 310 through septum 308 to collect radium atoms from the same separation solution 30. When the concentration of thorium in separation solution 30 falls below a threshold, an additional amount of separation solution 30 containing a higher concentration of thorium is introduced into chamber 310 through cork 302. Thus, system 300 can be used for the continuous production of extraction solution 50 containing radium.

[0054] According to some embodiments, disposing (110) of separation solution 30 into chamber 310 is performed at a rate that is much slower than introducing extraction solution 50 into chamber 310. For example, disposing (110) of separation solution 30 can be performed every 10, 100, or even 1000 steps of introducing extraction solution 50 into chamber 310. Thus, in these embodiments, disposing (110) of separation solution 30 into chamber 310 can be considered an initialization step.

[0055] 4A-4B show a chamber system 400 before and after a decay period 112, according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the system 400, the chamber 310 has a narrow extension 402 on its inner wall suitable for collecting radium atoms.

[0056] During the initialization phase of the system, separation solution 30 containing radionuclides is filled into narrow extension 402 through an opening typically sealed with a top cork 302, as shown in FIG. 4A. After a first decay period (112), as shown in FIG. 4B, extraction solution 50 is loaded into narrow extension 402 through septum 308 and tube 306, forcing separation solution 30 into chamber 310. Extraction solution 50 collects radium atoms from the walls of narrow extension 402 and is removed along with the radium atoms through septum 308. Separation solution 30 then returns to narrow extension 402, as shown in FIG. 4A, and another round of radium atom production begins.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system 500 for manufacturing an alphaDART brachytherapy source, according to one embodiment of the present invention. System 500 includes a manifold 502 that connects to various containers via valves 508 and liquid lines 504. The containers include an extraction solution 50 container 510 and a radium collection chamber 560, where radium atoms 62 (FIG. 2) formed from the decay of thorium radionuclide 22 diffuse into extraction solution 50. The containers optionally include an evaluation chamber 518, a radium storage container 530, and a water chamber 540. In some embodiments, manifold 502 is connected to one or more multi-compartment immersion containers 550, which include multiple immersion compartments 552 and are positioned to receive elements that accumulate radium atoms and are converted into brachytherapy sources 80. Optionally, a robotic arm 580 is used to insert and remove brachytherapy sources 80 from immersion compartments 552. Optionally, a pump 536 is connected to manifold 502 and is used to transfer liquid between the containers of system 500. Optionally, a dump 570 is connected to one of the valves 508 of the manifold 502 to receive waste liquid that is no longer needed.

[0058] In some embodiments, one or more vessels, such as extraction solution vessel 510, radium collection chamber 560, evaluation chamber 518, and / or water chamber 540, are placed on respective scales 572, which are used to monitor the amount of liquid in the vessel. Alternatively or additionally, any other sensors for monitoring the contents of the vessel can be used.

[0059] CPU 548 optionally controls the operation of system 500 by sending control commands to valves 508, pump 536, and / or robotic arm 580. Commands from CPU 548 are sent wired or wirelessly using any suitable method known in the art. Valves 508 generally remain closed, are opened when liquid is needed to pass through a particular valve, and are closed again after the liquid has been transferred.

[0060] During operation, pump 536 transfers a quantity of extraction solution 50 from vessel 510 to radium collection chamber 560. Prior to, concurrently with, and / or thereafter, separation solution 30 is introduced into radium collection chamber 560 via upper valve 514. After a predetermined time and / or after determining that sufficient radium has been collected, pump 536 withdraws extraction solution 50 from collection chamber 560 to evaluation chamber 518, where the extraction solution 50 and / or its radium content are evaluated. If the quality of extraction solution 50 is satisfactory, pump 536 transfers the extraction solution 50 to radium storage vessel 530. However, if the concentration of extraction solution 50 needs to be adjusted, pump 536 pumps the necessary amount of water from water chamber 540 to evaluation chamber 518. Alternatively or additionally, extraction solution 50 may be returned to collection chamber 560 to receive more radium. In parallel with the production of radium extraction solution 50, radium extraction solution 50 is transferred to one or more multi-compartment immersion vessels 550 and brachytherapy sources 80 are immersed in radium extraction solution 50. System 500 may include any number of collection chambers 560 connected to a single manifold 502 for parallel production of radium solution.

[0061] As shown, the valves 508 are arranged linearly along the manifold 502. However, in other embodiments, the tubes 504 and / or valves 508 are arranged radially on the manifold 502. Optionally, the manifold 502 has a half or full spherical shape. To transfer liquid between two containers, the valve 508 connected to the source container is opened, and the pump 536 extracts a quantity of liquid therefrom into the pump's internal chamber. The valve 508 connected to the source container is then closed, and the valve connected to the destination container is opened, and the pump is activated to force the liquid in its internal chamber into the destination container.

[0062] (Conclusion) It is understood that the above methods and apparatus should be construed as including methods of using the apparatus and apparatus for performing the methods. It should be understood that features and / or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be used with other embodiments, and that not all embodiments of the invention have all of the features and / or steps shown in a particular figure or described with respect to one of the particular embodiments. It is particularly noted that, although some dependent claims rely on only one parent claim, this is due to formal requirements in some jurisdictions, and unless impracticable or specifically stated, the invention is deemed to include all combinations of dependent claims. Tasks are not necessarily performed in the exact order described.

[0063] It should be noted that some of the above embodiments may not be essential to the present invention and may include structure, acts, or details of structure and acts described as examples. The structures and acts described herein may be replaced with equivalents that perform the same function, even if the structure or acts are different, as known in the art. The above embodiments are cited as examples, and the present invention is not limited to those specifically shown and described herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications thereof not disclosed in the prior art that will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the elements and limitations used in the claims, and the terms "have," "include," "haves," and combinations thereof, when used in the claims, shall mean "including but not limited to."

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for storing radium radionuclides, comprising: a first container holding a first solution comprising a thorium radionuclide and a thorium-binding extractant; a second container holding a second solution containing radium atoms; a pump; and a processor configured to control the pump to introduce a third solution into the first container, and after a sufficient period of time for the radium atoms to collect in the third solution, remove the third solution from the first container and transfer it to the second container; and wherein the first solution is lighter than the third solution; 1. A device for storing radium radionuclides, comprising:

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an extraction solution container for storing the third solution, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to introduce the third solution from the extraction solution container into the first container.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an evaluation chamber, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to remove the third solution from the first container and transfer it to the evaluation chamber, and, if the quality of the third solution is evaluated to be sufficient, to transfer the third solution from the evaluation chamber to the second container.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to return the third solution to the first container if the third solution is of insufficient quality.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more immersion vessels for immersing the brachytherapy source in a radium extraction solution, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to transfer solution from the second vessel to the one or more immersion vessels.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a robotic arm configured to insert the brachytherapy source into a submerged compartment of the one or more submerged vessels.

7. 7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a sensor for monitoring the contents of one or more containers of the apparatus.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sensor comprises a scale, and the container is placed on the scale.

9. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first container has an upper opening and a lower opening.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to introduce the third solution into the first container via the lower opening.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to remove the third solution from the first container via the lower opening.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to introduce the first solution into the first container via the top opening.

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to remove the first solution from the first vessel through the top opening and to introduce another batch of the first solution into the first vessel through the top opening when a production rate of radium atoms by the first solution falls below a desired level.

14. 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to introduce a solution containing a high concentration of thorium into the first container through the top opening when a production rate of radium atoms by the first solution falls below a desired level.

15. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to introduce the third solution into the first container via an opening in a bottom side of the first container.

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump to repeatedly introduce and remove additional solutions similar to the third solution from the first container without replacing the first solution in the first container.

17. 1. A method for accumulating radium radionuclides, comprising: introducing a first solution containing a thorium radionuclide and a thorium-binding extractant into a chamber along with a second solution immiscible with the first solution, the first solution not binding radium and the first solution being lighter than the second solution; allowing a portion of the thorium radionuclides in the first solution to decay into radium atoms; and removing the second solution from the chamber after a period of time sufficient for the radium atoms to collect in the second solution; and the first solution comprises a diluent having low solubility in the second solution, the diluent comprising cyclohexane; A method characterized by:

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the thorium-binding extractant comprises TOPO (trioctylphosphine oxide).

19. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising the step of immersing a brachytherapy source in the second solution after removing the second solution from the chamber.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, comprising coating the brachytherapy source with a protective coating that prevents the radium atoms from separating from the brachytherapy source but allows daughter nuclei of the radium atoms to leave the brachytherapy source upon decay of the radium atoms.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of coating the brachytherapy source with the protective coating comprises coating with polysulfone or polydimethylsiloxane.

22. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of coating the brachytherapy source with the protective coating comprises coating with alumina.

23. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the diluent has a specific gravity lower than that of water.

24. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the second solution comprises a salt solution.

25. The first solution comprises: preparing a separation solution of a low-solubility diluent and a thorium-binding extractant; mixing the prepared separation solution with an initial solution containing the thorium radionuclides so that the thorium radionuclides from the initial solution bind to the thorium-binding extractant; and separating the separated solution from the initial solution to form the first solution; generated by 18. The method of claim 17.

26. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the thorium radionuclide remains in the first solution and the radium atoms diffuse out of the first solution.

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