Copper-64

Copper-64 (64Cu) is a positron emitting isotope of copper, with applications in molecular imaging and therapy in nuclear medicine. It has a half-life of 12.7 hours.

Etymology

The term "Copper-64" is derived from the element Copper, which is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. The "64" refers to the atomic mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom of the isotope.

Production

Copper-64 is produced in a cyclotron by bombarding a Copper-63 target with a proton beam in a process called proton irradiation. The reaction that takes place is 63Cu(p,n)64Cu.

Decay

Copper-64 decays by positron emission to Nickel-64 (64Ni), with a half-life of 12.7 hours. The positron can be detected by a PET scanner, making 64Cu useful for medical imaging.

Applications

Copper-64 has two main applications in nuclear medicine: imaging and therapy.

Imaging

Copper-64 can be used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. It can be incorporated into a variety of compounds, allowing for the imaging of different biological processes.

Therapy

Copper-64 can also be used in targeted radiation therapy. It emits beta particles, which can kill cancer cells.

Related Terms

• Copper
• Isotope
• Positron emission tomography
• Nuclear medicine
• Cyclotron
• Proton irradiation
• Beta particles

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