RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY

Course objectives

General expected learning outcomes The Chemistry of Radiopharmaceuticals course aims to teach the student the various types of radiopharmaceuticals most commonly used in the field of nuclear medicine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The further aim of the course includes teaching the various methods of synthesis of a radionuclide, the creation of a radiopharmaceutical through different labeling processes, learning the mechanism of bio-distribution and localization of the radiopharmaceutical in the body, the techniques used for the detection of the radiations emitted during the various radioactive decays, the interactions between radiations and organic molecules and a general knowledge of the legislative landscape linked to the commercial distribution of radiopharmaceuticals. Finally, a further objective involves the description and use of latest generation radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of various pathologies. Specific expected learning outcomes 1. Knowledge and understanding The student will be aware of all the aspects described above regarding the production (synthesis and labeling methods) of the main radiopharmaceuticals used for the osteoarticular system, for the pulmonary system, for the gastrointestinal system, for the urinary system and for the central nervous system. 2. Applying knowledge and understanding At the end of the course the student will have knowledge of the importance of using a radiopharmaceutical in nuclear medicine. You will be able to recognize the mechanisms that link the detection system of a radiation emitted by a radiopharmaceutical with the identification of an ongoing pathological process either of inflammatory origin or inherent to the presence of a tumor form. You will be able to discriminate between the radiopharmaceuticals on the market, those to be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. You will know the benefits and possible risks of using a radiopharmaceutical. 3. Making judgements The lessons will all be frontal and interactive, during which the students will be stimulated to make connections with the various parts of the program carried out and with the notions previously acquired in the course of other teachings of the previous years. This in order to collectively involve the class in an active and critical way throughout the duration of the course. 4. Communication skills The assessment of the student's learned notions will be carried out through a written test and possibly an oral test which will focus on all the topics of the program, testing the student's communication skills with respect to what she has learned. 5. Learning skills The student will be able to independently continue the study of the subject thanks to a series of handouts provided by the teacher and recommended textbooks for further study. This will allow the student to always have the material available on which to review the topics covered.

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STEFANIA GARZOLI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The program is divided into 3 modules. The first module, lasting approximately 20 hours, includes the illustration of the introductory part and general information: Atom and atomic models; nuclides; introduction to nuclear medicine (diagnostic and therapeutic techniques); radioactivity and radioactive decay; activity and half-life of an element; nuclear fusion and fission reaction; classification of radiopharmaceuticals; radionuclide production systems (cyclotron and nuclear reactor); neutron activation; radionuclide generator; interaction between radiation and matter; ionization mode; radiolysis; effects of radiation on organic molecules (stochastic and graduated); dosimetry; radiation protection. The second module, lasting 24 hours, will be characterized by an in-depth analysis of the various radiopharmaceuticals and will cover the following topics: radiation detection instruments (gas and semiconductor detectors; scintillation counters); gamma-camera; PET and radiopharmaceuticals for PET; radionuclides used in nuclear medicine: - Technetium and its radiopharmaceuticals; -iodine and its radiopharmaceuticals; -gallium and its radiopharmaceuticals; -Indium and its radiopharmaceuticals; -thallium and its radiopharmaceuticals; -Xenon and its radiopharmaceuticals; -Fluorine and its radiopharmaceuticals; -Lanthanides and their applications in Nuclear Medicine. The last 20-hour module includes the following topics: Main marking methods; radiographic techniques (X-ray and CT) and contrast agents; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast agents; quality control of radiopharmaceuticals (identification; measurement of radioactivity; radionuclide purity; radiochemical purity; chemical purity; physiological distribution; sterility; conservation; localization mechanisms of radiopharmaceuticals; pharmacokinetics; legislative panorama.
Prerequisites
It is essential that the student has knowledge of General Chemistry and Human Anatomy. It is also useful and important that information regarding pathology, physiology and pharmacology has been acquired in order to make it easier to understand the topics covered during the course.
Books
-Gopal B. Saha,” fundamentals of nuclear pharmacy”, Springer-Verlag New York, N.Y., 2004 -Lecture notes provided by the teacher
Frequency
Attendance will be in person according to the timetable reported on the teacher's page
Exam mode
The exam method is characterized by 5 oral exam sessions with a possible postponement to the date entered on infostud based on the students' requests so as to provide them with a greater possibility of appearing for the exam sessions. For the purposes of the evaluation, the student is required to have a broad-spectrum knowledge of the subject and an adequate capacity for expression. Sufficient knowledge of the topics covered in the various parts of the program is required to pass the exam with minimum marks. To achieve a score of 30/30 cum laude, the student must demonstrate that he has acquired excellent knowledge of the topics covered, and that he is able to explain the required concepts in a logical manner and with appropriate scientific language.
Lesson mode
The radiopharmaceutical chemistry course is carried out through lectures with students. Connections are also made with concepts already learned during previous courses. The student has at his disposal the slides provided by the teacher, the teaching material with the recommended texts and the detailed exam programme; all this to guide the student in preparing for the exam. Attendance at the course is optional but recommended.
STEFANIA GARZOLI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The program is divided into 3 modules. The first module, lasting approximately 20 hours, includes the illustration of the introductory part and general information: Atom and atomic models; nuclides; introduction to nuclear medicine (diagnostic and therapeutic techniques); radioactivity and radioactive decay; activity and half-life of an element; nuclear fusion and fission reaction; classification of radiopharmaceuticals; radionuclide production systems (cyclotron and nuclear reactor); neutron activation; radionuclide generator; interaction between radiation and matter; ionization mode; radiolysis; effects of radiation on organic molecules (stochastic and graduated); dosimetry; radiation protection. The second module, lasting 24 hours, will be characterized by an in-depth analysis of the various radiopharmaceuticals and will cover the following topics: radiation detection instruments (gas and semiconductor detectors; scintillation counters); gamma-camera; PET and radiopharmaceuticals for PET; radionuclides used in nuclear medicine: - Technetium and its radiopharmaceuticals; -iodine and its radiopharmaceuticals; -gallium and its radiopharmaceuticals; -Indium and its radiopharmaceuticals; -thallium and its radiopharmaceuticals; -Xenon and its radiopharmaceuticals; -Fluorine and its radiopharmaceuticals; -Lanthanides and their applications in Nuclear Medicine. The last 20-hour module includes the following topics: Main marking methods; radiographic techniques (X-ray and CT) and contrast agents; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast agents; quality control of radiopharmaceuticals (identification; measurement of radioactivity; radionuclide purity; radiochemical purity; chemical purity; physiological distribution; sterility; conservation; localization mechanisms of radiopharmaceuticals; pharmacokinetics; legislative panorama.
Prerequisites
It is essential that the student has knowledge of General Chemistry and Human Anatomy. It is also useful and important that information regarding pathology, physiology and pharmacology has been acquired in order to make it easier to understand the topics covered during the course.
Books
-Gopal B. Saha,” fundamentals of nuclear pharmacy”, Springer-Verlag New York, N.Y., 2004 -Lecture notes provided by the teacher
Frequency
Attendance will be in person according to the timetable reported on the teacher's page
Exam mode
The exam method is characterized by 5 oral exam sessions with a possible postponement to the date entered on infostud based on the students' requests so as to provide them with a greater possibility of appearing for the exam sessions. For the purposes of the evaluation, the student is required to have a broad-spectrum knowledge of the subject and an adequate capacity for expression. Sufficient knowledge of the topics covered in the various parts of the program is required to pass the exam with minimum marks. To achieve a score of 30/30 cum laude, the student must demonstrate that he has acquired excellent knowledge of the topics covered, and that he is able to explain the required concepts in a logical manner and with appropriate scientific language.
Lesson mode
The radiopharmaceutical chemistry course is carried out through lectures with students. Connections are also made with concepts already learned during previous courses. The student has at his disposal the slides provided by the teacher, the teaching material with the recommended texts and the detailed exam programme; all this to guide the student in preparing for the exam. Attendance at the course is optional but recommended.
  • Lesson code10612252
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseIndustrial pharmacy
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year5th year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDCHIM/03
  • CFU6