zirconium-89

Zirconium-89 is a cyclotron-produced positron-emitting radionuclide of zirconium with a physical half-life of approximately 78.4 hours that is primarily used as a radiolabel for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, especially immuno-PET with monoclonal antibodies and other large biomolecules. As a radiometal, zirconium-89 is typically chelated with agents such as desferrioxamine B and then conjugated to targeting vectors (for example antibodies against HER2, VEGF-A, CD8, or other tumor- and immune-associated antigens), enabling high-sensitivity, high-resolution imaging of slow biodistribution and target engagement over several days, particularly in oncology. Its decay properties (positron emission with accompanying gamma rays) and bone-seeking behavior when unchelated have driven its development as a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical backbone for cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular imaging, while therapeutic applications remain largely investigational.

Other names

89ZrZr-89Zr89Zr 89zirconium Zr 89