Radioisotopes for Nuclear Medicine: An Overview

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis focused on the radioisotopes from 15 different elements relevant to nuclear medicine, detailing their decay properties, production routes, and selection criteria for diagnostic and therapeutic use. While clinical applications are briefly referenced for context, the aim is to provide an overview of the technological challenges related to the isotopic purity of the radioactive sources, the chemical stability of radiopharmaceuticals, the use of isotopic mixtures, and the development of a personalized dosimetry. Also addressed is the key issue of balancing clinical efficacy, logistical constraints, and patient safety by choosing radionuclides with proper half-life. Special attention is given to novel reaction pathways, which, together with ongoing initiatives of new facilities and projected infrastructure advancements, are expected to overcome the limited availability and fragile supply chains of both clinically validated and next-generation medical radioisotopes. Alternative strategies originally conceived for energy production, including adaptation of fusion technologies or isotope recovery from spent fuel of fission reactors, are also highlighted as key drivers of future progress in nuclear medicine.