What is a medical isotope? A medical isotope is a form of an element that is capable of giving off energy. It can be formulated and placed into a person for the purpose of either diagnostic imaging or treatment of certain diseases.

Who uses medical isotopes? Physicians with training in the use of isotopes usually work in the specialties of nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and diagnostic radiology.

What can medical isotopes do in diagnosis? Radioisotopes give off energy that can be detected by special equipment. When small quantities are introduced into the body, the imaging equipment tracks their location and movement. In this manner, physicians can observe the function of an organ rather than merely seeing a snapshot of it. Medical isotope diagnostic procedures often facilitate an earlier and more complete disease diagnosis and therefore more rapid and effective treatment.

What can medical isotopes do in cancer treatment? The energy given off by radioisotopes is very effective at zapping diseased cells. When they are delivered straight to the cancer cells, healthy tissues are spared while cancer cells are eliminated. Medical isotopes are delivered to the cancer cells in several different ways.

What different types of medical isotope treatments are there? Brachytherapy is a form of cancer treatment where tiny "seeds" with medical isotopes attached are accurately placed within and near a tumor. Brachytherapy is FDA approved and used for localized prostate cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancers, gynecological cancers and others.

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a type of treatment where doctors inject antibodies that have isotopes attached like little backpacks. The antibodies (called monoclonal antibodies) then flow through the bloodstream and attach themselves to the cancerous cells. The energy from the medical isotopes is thus targeted straight to the cancer. This type of treatment is showing great promise for blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's), and multiple myeloma. Most radioimmunotherapy treatments are still in clinical trials.

Medical isotopes can also be directed to cancerous cells by a carrier that has an attraction to a certain part of the body. The chemical substance phosphorous can be paired with a medical isotope and sent to the bone, since phosphorous is naturally attracted to bone. FDA approved treatments for pain associated with cancer that has spread to the bone are based on this delivery system. The medical isotope iodine 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 is 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 U.S. Department of Energy is currently considering a nuclear reactor for production of the quantity of medical isotopes that will be needed in coming years. The FFTF (Fast Flux Test Facility) is the largest test and research reactor in the U.S. and is currently on standby. It can produce enough of the quality, quantity and variety of medical isotopes that will be needed to effectively meet the need.

Is our country going to utilize this source of medical isotopes? We don't know. The FFTF is currently being reviewed by the Secretary of Energy, Spencer Abraham. We hope his final decision will be based on a good understanding of the crucial role FFTF must play if we our country wants to optimize the promise of medical isotopes.

Is there anything I can do to support medical isotope research and treatments? Yes. Let your voice be heard. Tell your congresspersons and the Department of Energy that you support all efforts at furthering medical isotope research. Write, call, or email them to let them know you support production facilities such as the FFTF 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.

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