Atomic technologies implementation for fighting oncology is growing in the world these days. The development of X-ray therapy used for curing cancer is one of the key directions of Rosatom work. These days the creation of a new federal center for nuclear medicine in Dimitrovgrad (Ulianovsk region) is in progress, Obninsk and Tomsk are the next in the line. At the same time the construction of the whole production-medical complex, from isotopes to equipment, is going on. Recently several technological “know-how” in the field of nuclear medicine have been presented.
Generator of Health
In the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering in Obninsk (a multiprofile organization doing research in the field of physics and technology in nuclear science) a certified production of Re-188 generators was organized with its equipment to be used for oncology diseases therapy. “NIIAR” State Scientific Center, Medical Radiological Science Center and All-Regional Association “Isotop” (JSC V/O Isotop, a Rosatom enterprise working at the market of isotope products, radiation producing machines, medical and general equipment). Re-188 generator is designed for preparation of sterile apyrogenic sodium perrhenate in normal saline.
The sodium perrhenate together with special sets is used for the synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals, used for oncology diseases therapy. It also allows visualizing the distribution of the drug in human body. The Institute also developed technology and organized production of Y-90 and Ra-223 based radiopharmaceuticals.
Tumor Detector
The other device – a detector for diagnostics and curing of cancer – Russian nuclear medicine specialists developed together with their foreign colleagues in CERN. It will help to find even minor tumors on different stages and effectively cure them. The method is the following: The tumor is marked with a special radioisotope, meanwhile the radioactive agent is being accumulated only in affected cells, making them indicate radioactivity. Further on, during the operation, the devise detects radiation, helping the surgeon to excise the tumor totally, avoiding the setback of the disease.
Russian detector is cheaper than foreign equivalents, at the same time being more universal. “It is based on single particles, single photons, which means that its sensitivity is almost molecular. If a molecule emits a particle: beta, alpha, gamma, it will detect it” – explains Evgeny Grigoriev the Head of Russian CERN group in developing new detectors, the Chief Advisor of Director of Theoretical and Experimental Physics Insitute (Moscow). The device was already tested in surgery. The scientists hope to align its butch production in Russia. Some western companies are also interested in the product.
