Nuclear Startup Pioneers New Era in Cancer Scans

BBC Research scientists at Astral Systems, a startup in Bristol, are working towards revolutionizing the production of nuclear materials used for cancer scans. Scientists believe they have developed a method to significantly improve the supply of essential radioactive isotopes utilized by doctors to identify and monitor cancer growth in patients.

Doctors use radioisotopes during scanning procedures to pinpoint areas affected by cancer within patients. However, these vital materials are currently produced primarily by aging reactors located outside the UK, leading to occasional disruptions in their availability. Dr Tom Wallace-Smith, the technical director of Astral Systems, explains that his team has devised a new technique for producing these radioactive substances domestically within the United Kingdom.

This innovative approach employs nuclear fusion instead of traditional fission methods and can be implemented through smaller-scale plants situated near hospitals. According to Dr Wallace-Smith, this method could eliminate delays in cancer treatments, potentially saving lives by ensuring a steady supply of radioisotopes without relying on distant reactors or large-scale infrastructure.

Every year, approximately 300,000 patients undergo scans using radioactive isotopes. Radiologists assert that these procedures are indispensable for their work and state they would be unable to perform effectively without them. In October 2018, the nuclear medicine community experienced a major crisis when two European reactors shut down simultaneously for planned maintenance followed by an unforeseen malfunction at a third reactor.

As a result of this incident, approximately 75% of Britain’s radioisotope supply was disrupted. While urgent diagnostic scans were conducted on time, thousands of routine check-ups had to be postponed or rescheduled. This event highlighted the vulnerability and aging nature of the current radioactive isotope production infrastructure.

Dr Stephen Harden from the Royal College of Radiologists emphasizes that this incident underscores a critical need for establishing local radioisotope production facilities within Britain to mitigate future supply chain disruptions.

In 2017, a government report indicated that six nuclear reactors produced approximately 85% of all radioactive isotopes used worldwide. By 2030, five out of these six reactors are scheduled to be decommissioned. These aging facilities were constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, making them both expensive to maintain and unreliable due to their advanced age.

A project is underway in North Wales aimed at building a new reactor specifically for this purpose; however, it is estimated that constructing such an infrastructure will cost approximately £400 million. As with all nuclear fission plants, there are environmental concerns associated with the raw materials (uranium) and radioactive waste generated by these facilities.

Astral Systems currently employs 18 staff members, a number which Dr Wallace-Smith predicts will increase significantly in the coming year. The company has pioneered technology capable of producing radioisotopes on demand at smaller plants near hospitals. These compact reactors could be constructed for under £1 million—a cost that is surprisingly affordable when compared to the price of medical scanners.

The next phase involves developing a new type of fusion reactor, which will have the capability to produce any kind of radioactive isotope required for research or medicinal purposes right at hospital locations. This would not only reduce transportation risks but also ensure timely availability.

At Bristol Royal Infirmary, I had the opportunity to observe a patient preparing for a radioisotope scan. Just three hours before their scheduled appointment, doctors injected them with a small dose of radioactive material that targets specific areas within the body based on clinical needs—such as bones in cancer cases where metastasis is suspected.

During the scanning process, specialized cameras detect the radiotracer’s emitted radiation to produce detailed images showing how cancer has spread. Dr Randeep Kulshrestha, who runs the Nuclear Medicine department at Bristol Royal Infirmary, highlighted that these radioisotopes play a crucial role in diagnostic procedures today and are indispensable for oncology treatments.

As Britain confronts the challenges of aging nuclear reactors and potential future shortages of radioactive isotopes used for cancer scans, local production solutions like those being developed by Astral Systems offer hope. They have the potential to not only improve patient care but also make significant strides towards creating a more resilient and secure supply chain for critical medical isotopes within the UK.