2/14/2015
Medical Isotopes: Frequently Asked Questions
has been used for thyroid treatment for years because the isotope itself is naturally attracted to the thyroid. Where are medical isotopes made? Medical isotopes are made in either accelerators or nuclear reactors. Today, the United States imports about 90% of the medical isotopes used in hospitals and clinics. Our supply of medical isotopes is at risk to global conditions and the internal conditions of other countries. Do we have sufficient supplies of medical isotopes to meet growing demands? No. A few key isotopes with the potential to take cancer therapy to a new level of effectiveness are simply not available. The researchers who want to explore their potential are unable to do so. In addition, the success of treatments currently in clinical trials and awaiting FDA approval could usher in a serious supply problem once FDA approval is obtained. The end result could be patients unable to be treated with an effective therapy. Demand for medical isotopes are projected to grow in the range of 8% to 20% per year for the next 20 years. Current U.S. production resources are not adequate to meet the increasing needs for use of the isotopes in research, diagnosis, and treatment. Is there a potential U.S. source for medical isotopes? Yes. The United States has a number of small active providers of a few isotopes suitable for medical use. Most sources are small commercial accelerators or university research nuclear reactors such as the Missouri University Research Reactor. Other possibilities are the creation or use of reactors and accelerators which can produce the quantities and types to fully support all needs. Is our country going to utilize this source of medical isotopes? We don't know. Unless there is a demonstrated need, resources will not be built. But, without the resources, many attractive short lived isotopes are not available to researchers. Is there anything I can do to support medical isotope research and treatments? Yes. Let your voice be heard. Tell your Congressmen, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Health and Human Services that you support all efforts at furthering medical isotope research. Write, call, or email to let them know you support production facilities as well as increased funding for research. Secondly, join Citizens for Medical Isotopes. Your support will help us reach more cancer patients and their families. It will further our efforts to help researchers develop better ways to fight cancer and other diseases. What if somebody I know has cancer? Contact our office. We can provide information that may help your friend or family member make an informed decision about treatment options or clinical trials opportunities. We don't give medical advice and are not qualified to do so. However, we can direct people and their doctors to resources about medical isotope treatments. Are there any other diseases treatable with medical isotopes? http://www.medicalisotopes.org/faq.html
2/3