Nuclear Chemistry

Basic knowledge of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology and Pharmacology as lectured in the other curricular units of the course.

A theoretical methodology will be adopted which appeals for the students’ participation to acquire the knowledge, skills and competences defined so that they can be put into practice and a theoretical-practical methodology that focus on the application of the acquired knowledge to practical examples in Radiopharmacy.

The student must acquire the fundamental knowledge on

• Radiopharmaceuticals used in the medical practice including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, dosing, the risks and the associated legal regulations
• Quality control procedures associated with radiopharmacy
• Drug interactions and adverse reactions between drugs and radiopharmaceuticals
• Minimizing doses on human beings and the environment
• Operation of a radiopharmacy, including legal regulations and records.

Skills regarding the safe administration of a radiopharmaceutical, including puncture and administration according to current approved protocols.

Competencies to perform in a responsible and autonomous way, the professional tasks with the patients, regarding the administration of the radiopharmaceutical and to respond appropriately to contra-indications, complications and emergencies.

Should be able to prepare radiopharmaceuticals according to the rules and regulations applicable.

• Introduction to nuclear chemistry. Basic principles in radiopharmacy.
• Radiopharmaceuticals in Nuclear Medicine. Diagnostic vs. therapy. Types of formulations. Molybdenum/Technetium generator. Technetium-99m chemistry. Properties of chelates and bio-conjugated materials. Main applications in conventional NM. Labeling of antibodies and peptides. Cell labelling.
• Radiopharmaceuticals labeled with Positron Emitters. Clinical and research applications.
• Quality control of radiopharmaceuticals. Conventional vs PET. Current Good Radiopharmaceutical Practice. Analytical procedures. Process control. Microbiological tests.
• Radiopharmacy operation. European and national regulations. Work in aseptic environment. Organization of a production unit. Validation, documentation and archive.

NAO

Abrunhosa, Antero and Prata, Maria I. (2010). Radiopharmaceuticals: Development and Main Applications. in Nuclear Medicine Physics. Pedroso de Lima, J.J. (Ed.). CRC Press;

Saha, Gopal B. (2018). Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy. Springer-Verlag. Seventh Edition.

Theobald, Tony (2010), Sampson’s Textbook of Radiopharmacy. Pharmaceutical Press. Fourth edition;

Handbook of Radiopharmaceuticals: Radiochemistry and Applications (2005). Michael J. Welch (Ed). Wiley.