The present article describes the preparation, characterization, and biological evaluation of Thulium-170 (170Tm) [T1/2=128.4 days; Eβ(max)=968
keV;Ec=84 keV (3.26%)] labeled tin oxide microparticles for its
possible use in radiation synovectomy (RSV) of medium-sized joints. 170Tm was produced by irradiation of natural thulium oxide target. 170Tm-labeled microparticles were synthesized with high yield and radionuclidic purity (>99%) along with excellent in vitro
stability by following a simple process. Particle sizes and morphology
of the radiolabeled particles were examined by light microscope, dynamic
light scattering, and transmission electron microscope and found to be
of stable spherical morphology within the range of 1.4–3.2μm.
The preparation was injected into the knee joints of healthy Beagle dogs
intraarticularly for biological studies. Serial whole-body and regional
images were taken by single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT)
and SPECT-CT cameras up to 9 months postadministration, which showed
very low leakage (<8% of I.D.) of the instilled particles. The
majority of leaked radiocolloid particles were found in inguinal lymph
nodes during the 9 months of follow-up. All the animals tolerated the
treatment well; the compound did not show any possible
radiotoxicological effect. These preliminary studies showed that 170Tm-labeled
microparticles could be a promising nontoxic and effective
radiopharmaceutical for RSV applications or later local antitumor
therapy.