Our contribution to radioisotope production
How does SCK CEN help to bridge the gap between supply and demand?
There are currently around 200 clinical studies in radioligand therapy underway around the world. A number of these are already in the final testing phase. We therefore expect that these therapies will be introduced into practice in the near future. The demand for medical radioisotopes will therefore increase significantly and production capacity will have to keep pace. SCK CEN is getting its shoulders behind this challenge, with its expertise and infrastructure.
A journey around the world in a race against time
Medical radioisotopes do not occur in nature; they have to go through a whole production process. However, they quickly lose their radioactivity. They have a short lifespan, ranging from a few hours to a few days. As a result, doctors cannot stockpile them. It is therefore crucial that the radioisotopes are transported quickly from the production site to the hospital, because every minute counts.
Production, purification, radiolabelling
In order to be administered to patients, radiopharmaceuticals always undergo this production process: production, purification and radiolabelling. Thanks to our BR2 research reactor, we have been involved in the first production step for many years. With the CRF, we are moving up the production chain: in other words, we are taking a step closer to the patient.
How SCK CEN makes a difference
Irradiations for 11 million patients per year on average
Our BR2 research reactor is the lifeline of nuclear medicine. With each operating cycle, BR2 supplies radioisotopes for the diagnosis of at least 1,000,000 patients and 3,000 patient doses for treatment. On average, this equates to 11 million patients per year in total. And because the reactor is located in the heart of Europe, we can ensure smooth logistics across the continent and beyond.
Radiochemical purifications for 100,000 patients per year in the long term
Our Centralised Radiochemical Facility (CRF) will play a prominent role in the fight against cancer in the near future. The focus is mainly on producing lutetium-177, but the facility can also process new, promising isotopes. From 2027, the CRF will be ready to start the official approval procedure. Regular production is likely to follow not long after. We will gradually build up toward lutetium production for 15,000 patients per year in the short term and 100,000 patients per year in the long term. The facility is also equipped to process next-generation radioisotopes such as terbium-161.
Which therapeutic radioisotopes are we focusing on?
With such a wide variety of therapeutic radioisotopes available, we need to set priorities. We decided to focus on isotopes that will allow us to create the biggest social impact.
- Lutetium-177
This is our most important isotope because it is currently the most widely used for radioligand therapy. To produce it, we work together with the Institute for Radioelements (IRE).
- Terbium-161
This is a new, promising radioisotope. We are conducting further research into its potential and are starting (pilot) production.
- Actinium-225
This is a rare radioisotope that is difficult to obtain. PanTera, our joint venture with IBA, is working on making it more widely available.
- Generator-based radioisotopes
These are also emerging radioisotopes for radioligand therapy, such as bismuth-213.
What other components do you need for radiopharmaceuticals?
Thanks to our production efforts, we have already covered an important part of radioligand therapy: the radioisotope, which fights cancer cells. To obtain a complete radiopharmaceutical, two other building blocks are needed:
- a carrier molecule to find the cancer cell
- a chelator that connects the first two components.
On the way to the patient
Radiolabelling
We support the development of radiopharmaceuticals by providing services in radiolabelling. Radiolabelling is a crucial technique, where we couple the radioisotope to the vector. The vector delivers the radioisotope directly to the tumours and metastases.
Calibrating radiation equipment
Does a doctor plan to set up a treatment with radiopharmaceuticals? Then they will need not only the right components and knowledge, but also reliable equipment to weigh the correct patient dose. These are called radionuclide calibrators. SCK CEN calibrates these measuring instruments.
📧 Curious about our way of working? Interested in our calibration services? Explore our services on this page or business [at] sckcen [dot] be (let us know!)
SCK CEN is both a producer and a developer
SCK CEN is not only a world leader in the production of medical radioisotopes. We are also accelerating the development of radioligand therapy, as this treatment can significantly increase the life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients.
Would you like to find out more? If so, read more about our preclinical research.