188Re

188Re is a radioisotope of rhenium. Rhenium is a chemical element with the symbol Re and atomic number 75. 188Re is a beta-emitting radionuclide with a half-life of 16.97 hours. It decays primarily by beta emission to stable 188Os, with a branching decay to 188Os by electron capture. Its decay also produces gamma rays, with energies of 155 keV and 478 keV being the most prominent.

This radioactive isotope is produced in nuclear reactors by neutron activation of 187Re or through the fission of uranium. Its properties make it suitable for various medical applications, particularly in nuclear medicine for both diagnostic imaging and radionuclide therapy. The beta particles emitted by 188Re have a relatively short range in tissue, making it effective for localized treatment of cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

In therapeutic applications, 188Re is often attached to targeting molecules, such as antibodies or peptides, that can selectively bind to cancer cells. This targeted approach allows for the delivery of radiation directly to the tumor site. Diagnostic imaging using 188Re is also possible, though less common than its therapeutic uses, due to the energies of its emitted gamma rays. Research continues into optimizing its use in brachytherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy.