Abstract: An aggregate suspension containing holmium-166 hydroxide and a carrier (such as a particulate ferric hydroxide) is injected into a patient's anesthetized joint (such as a knee joint or hip joint) for the treatment of inflamed synovial tissues such as present in arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. The aggregate suspension is in a range of particle sizes from 1 to 40 microns. The holmium-166-containing suspension treats the synovial tissues, whereby radiation synovectomy takes place.

Abstract: .sup.166 Holmium in a carrier metallic hydroxide aggregate is disclosed for the treatment of arthritis and, in particular, rheumatoid arthritis. The compound disclosed preferably has a particle size of 1 to 40 microns, Beta energy emissions in the range of 1.76-1.84 MeV, low levels of gamma ray emissions and a radioactive half-life of 26.8 hours. The preferred metallic hydroxide is selected from the group consisting of Ferric Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Bismuth Hydroxide, Chromium Hydroxide, Cupric Hydroxide, Manganese Hydroxide and Stannous Hydroxide. Methods are also disclosed for the preparation of the compound, as well as for the methods of its administration to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The radionuclide Tin, Sn-121 in a carrier hydroxide aggregate is disclosed for the treatment of arthritis and, in particular, rheumatoid arthritis of the hands, the interphalangeal joints of the fingers and the metacarpal joints of the hand.The radioactive compound disclosed preferably has a particle size of <90 microns. The beta energy emission associated with Tin, Sn-121 has an energy of 0.38 meV. There are no gamma photons emited during the decay of Tin, Sn-121 to stable Antimony Sb-121. The half life of Tin, Sn-121 is 27.06 hours.The method of preparation of the compound is disclosed along with the method of administration to the patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by administering a radioactive compound to the inflamed synovium of the articular joint. The compound comprises an aggregate suspension having a radionuclide entrapped therein. The aggregate suspension is a ferric or aluminum hydroxide aggregate, and the radionuclide is selected from the group consisting of .sup.166 Holmium, .sup.153 Samarium, .sup.175 Ytterbium, .sup.169 Erbium, and .sup.176m Lutetium. The radionculide may also consist of .sup.51 Chromium. Suitable leakage inhibitors or agents to reduce leakage of the radionuclide from the articular joint is included as part of the chemical composition of the final drug form.

Abstract: A rechargeable system is provided for the production of sterile, non-pyrogenic, isotonic solutions of radioisotopes such as sodium pertechnetate, which are useful as diagnostic agents in the medical field. A unique feature of the system is that transfer of the recharging supply of the parent isotope from the shipping shield to the generator contained in the generator shield can be effected with minimal exposure to radiation.

Abstract: A primary target for the production of fission products in a nuclear reactor, such as uranium or plutonium fission products, is comprised of an enclosed, cylindrical vessel, preferably comprised of stainless steel, having a thin, continuous, uniform layer of fissionable material, integrally bonded to its inner walls and a port permitting access to the interior of the vessel. A process is also provided for depositing uranium material on to the inner walls of the vessel. Upon irradiation of the target with neutrons from a nuclear reactor, radioactive fission products, such as molybdenum-99, are formed, and thereafter separated from the target by the introduction of an acidic solution through the port to dissolve the irradiated inner layer. The irradiation and dissolution are thus effected in the same vessel without the necessity of transferring the fissionable material and fission products to a separate chemical reactor. Subsequently, the desired isotopes are extracted and purified.