Application of Sr/ Rb generator in neurooncology.

Introduction: The applicability of "Rubidium Chloride, Rb from Generator" radiopharmaceutical for brain tumors (BT) diagnostics is demonstrated on the basis of the application experience of the radiopharmaceutical in neurooncology.

Experimental: A total of 21 patients with various brain tumors and nonneoplastic abnormal brain masses were investigated.

Results And Discussions: The results of the imaging and differential diagnostics of malignant and benign tumors, nonneoplastic abnormal brain masses and lesions revealed the prevalence of high uptake of the radiopharmaceutical in the malignant tumors in comparison with benign glioma and arteriovenous malformations in which Rb-chloride accumulates in the vascular phase but does not linger further. The ultra-short half-life of radionuclide Rb (76 s) along with a low absorbed radiation dose with Rb-chloride by intravenous administration create a new possibility of successive use of two or more radiopharmaceuticals for the examination of the same patient. For instance, PET examination with F-FDG, C-methionine, C-choline, or any other radiopharmaceutical can be carried out in just 7-15 min. after Rb-chloride injection.

Conclusion: Research demonstrated an effectiveness of Rb-chloride application as a diagnostic agent in neurooncology. A method of dosing and administration of the generator-produced radiopharmaceutical has been worked out. It is possible to do up to 600 PET sessions using one Russian Rb generator GR-01. The generator is proved to be reliable and easy to use. The interest in Rb-chloride as a tumor-seeking radiopharmaceutical rose due to the active application of the modern devices PET/CT in the routine clinical practice.