Future Supply of Medical Radioisotopes for the UK Report 2014

TL;DR

This report assesses the UK's reliance on imported medical radioisotopes, explores potential local production alternatives, and discusses strategies to mitigate shortages impacting patient care.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of UK medical radioisotope supply, including current status, risks, and potential local production solutions.

Findings

UK relies heavily on imported radioisotopes, risking shortages.

Potential for local production via cyclotrons and reactors.

Strategies to mitigate shortages could improve patient care continuity.

Abstract

The UK has no research nuclear reactors and relies on the importation of 99Mo and other medical radioisotopes (e.g. Iodine-131) from overseas (excluding PET radioisotopes). The UK is therefore vulnerable not only to global shortages, but to problems with shipping and importation of the products. In this context Professor Erika Denton UK national Clinical Director for Diagnostics requested that the British Nuclear Medicine Society lead a working group with stakeholders including representatives from the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to prepare a report. The group had a first meeting on 10 April 2013 followed by a working group meeting with presentations on 9th September 2013 where the scope of the work required to produce a report was agreed. The objectives of the report are: to describe the status of the use of medical radioisotopes in the UK; to anticipate the potential impact of shortages for the UK; to assess potential alternative avenues of medical radioisotope production for the UK market; and to explore ways of mitigating the impact of medical radioisotopes on patient care pathways. The report incorporates details of a visit to the Cyclotron Facilities at Edmonton, Alberta and at TRIUMF, Vancouver BC in Canada by members of the report team.