A team of nuclear scientists has developed an innovative method to revolutionize the supply of essential materials used in cancer diagnostics. Radioisotopes, crucial for detecting cancer growth, are currently sourced from aging reactors outside the UK, often leading to supply disruptions.
A New Approach to Radioisotope Production
Dr. Tom Wallace-Smith, Technical Director at Bristol-based Astral Systems, announced that his team has devised a technique to produce radioisotopes domestically. This breakthrough has the potential to eliminate delays that have long hindered timely cancer diagnoses and treatments.
Unlike traditional methods that rely on nuclear fission, the Bristol team has adopted a nuclear fusion approach. Instead of requiring a costly new nuclear plant—estimated at £400 million—this new technology allows for small-scale production units to be built near hospitals for approximately £1 million.
Addressing a Fragile Supply Chain
Each year, around 300,000 patients undergo scans using radioactive isotopes, which radiologists consider indispensable for accurate diagnosis. However, the global supply chain remains precarious.
In October, the nuclear medicine sector faced a critical shortage when three European reactors, which supply the UK, were simultaneously shut down—two for planned maintenance and one due to an unexpected fault. This resulted in a temporary loss of 75% of the UK's supply, causing thousands of routine scans to be delayed.
Dr. Stephen Harden from the Royal College of Radiologists emphasized the need for a reliable domestic supply chain, calling the current system "aging and fragile." A 2017 UK Government report highlighted that six nuclear reactors supply 85% of the world's radioisotopes, but five of them are expected to be decommissioned by 2030.
The Future of Cancer Diagnostics
Plans are in place to build a £400 million reactor in North Wales to address this issue, but such large-scale nuclear fission plants remain controversial due to their reliance on uranium and radioactive byproducts.
Astral Systems' pioneering technology offers a cost-effective alternative by enabling on-demand radioisotope production through small fusion-based reactors. These compact units, priced lower than the scanners they support, could be positioned directly within hospitals, ensuring consistent and immediate access to essential diagnostic materials.
Transforming Patient Care
At Bristol Royal Infirmary, consultant radiologist Dr. Randeep Kulshrestha explained how radioisotopes play a critical role in patient diagnostics. Before a scan, patients receive an injection containing a small amount of radioactive material, which then travels to targeted areas such as bones or organs.
"These scans allow us to see the spread of diseases like cancer with unparalleled accuracy," Dr. Kulshrestha stated. "Without these radioisotopes, modern diagnostics would be significantly hindered."
Recent advancements in nuclear fusion technology are paving the way for a more efficient and secure future in medical imaging. By eliminating reliance on aging reactors and ensuring a steady domestic supply, the UK is poised to enhance cancer diagnostics and improve patient outcomes for years to come.