China achieves breakthrough in mass production of cancer-fighting Yttrium-90 isotope

China has successfully mastered the technology to produce Yttrium-90, a critical medical isotope used in radiation therapy for liver cancer, within a commercial nuclear reactor.

The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced Sunday that the first batch of Yttrium-90 glass microspheres, irradiated at the Qinshan Nuclear Power Base in Zhejiang Province, has met all quality standards, heralding a new era of mass production for the life-saving drug.

This development marks a significant step forward in China's ambition to become self-sufficient in the production of key medical isotopes, which have historically been subject to import reliance and supply chain vulnerabilities. The breakthrough promises a more stable and cost-effective supply for domestic patients and positions China as a key player in the global medical isotope market.

The locally-produced Yttrium-90 microspheres are a form of radiopharmaceutical designed for a minimally invasive procedure known as selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). In this targeted treatment, the microscopic spheres are delivered through the bloodstream directly to the blood vessels feeding a liver tumour. Once lodged, they emit localised beta radiation, destroying cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

The process begins with Yttrium-89, a stable isotope, which is transformed into the radioactive Yttrium-90 after absorbing neutrons inside a nuclear reactor. Before the newly produced microspheres can be used in clinical applications, they will undergo rigorous examination by researchers.

Engineers at the Qinshan Nuclear Power Base highlighted the unique advantages of using a commercial heavy-water reactor for this process. "The commercial heavy-water reactor has a relatively high neutron flux, and it is able to operate stably," stated Li Shisheng, deputy chief engineer at the base. "The activation zone of the core is very big. Using this type of reactor to produce Yttrium-90 has significant benefits, such as the ability to increase production, reduce costs, and provide a consistent supply."

The Qinshan facility is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of China's medical isotope strategy. It has also recently commenced the production of other crucial isotopes, including Lutetium-177, which is also used in cancer therapies. This growing capability will not only serve the increasing domestic demand driven by an ageing population and rising cancer rates but also has the potential to alter the dynamics of the international supply chain for these vital medical materials. This achievement is a clear indicator of China's advancing nuclear technology applications and its commitment to leveraging this expertise for public health.

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