The present invention provides a method of separating and purifying Yttrium-90 (Y-90) from Strontium-90 (Sr-90). In addition, a zirconium (Zr) clean-up step for the Y-90 is provided. Uses of the Y-90 purified by the method include cancer research and treatment. Y-90 is particularly useful in cell directed therapy, e.g., where the Y-90 is attached directly or indirectly to a targeting molecule such as an antibody.