CERN-MEDICIS
This process is called radionuclide therapy (RNT), and uses heavy proton radioisotopes (located on the North-West area of the nuclide chart) that decay through beta or alpha emission.
[4] Due to the high levels of radiation, the targets are transferred from the irradiation station to the radioisotope mass-separation beamline using an automated rail conveyer system (RCS).
The mass separator extracts the isotope of interest so that it can be implanted onto thin gold foils with a one-sided metallic or salt coating.
Once collected, the samples can be sent to hospitals and research facilities with the purpose of developing patient imaging and treatment, and therapy protocols.
[26] Lutetium emits low energy β particles with a short range, used for irradiation of smaller volume tumor targets.
[26][28] 153Sm, produced in the BR2 reactor at SCK CEN, followed by the subsequent mass separation by MEDICIS to increase its molar activity, was found to be suitable for targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) in a proof-of-concept research project.
[29] It emits low energy β particles and gamma peaks, and presents acceptable half-life for logistics and ambulatory care, making it a candidate of choice for theranostics approaches.
Theranostics, a treatment that combines therapy and diagnosis, is a new trend in precision medicine where the radioisotopes produced at MEDICIS already triggered research projects.
In 2021, Tb radioisotope production was successfully performed with the MELISSA laser ion source, with a 53% ionisation efficiency obtained by MEDICIS-Promed students.
[32] Exploration of mass separated 153Sm at MEDICIS using in vitro biological studies showed that the ability for tumors to absorb (uptake) and retain substances (retention) was improved compared to normal tissues.
Animal SPECT-CT scans of mice were obtained post-injection and showed cleared activity after twenty-four hours.
[34][35] The programme brings together 23 beneficiaries from 13 countries, to create a single entry point for the medical isotope user community.
