Exciting news for science and medicine! China has reached a major milestone by successfully producing Yttrium-90 (Y-90) using a commercial nuclear reactor. This breakthrough was announced by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) on Sunday, marking a significant step forward in medical isotope production.
The process involves producing Y-90 glass microspheres through irradiation at the Qinshan Nuclear Power Base in east China's Zhejiang Province. After rigorous testing, the microspheres have passed all quality checks, paving the way for potential mass production.
Y-90 is a beta-emitting radioisotope widely used in medical treatments, especially for liver tumors. Through a precise vascular intervention technique, microspheres carrying Y-90 can be delivered directly to liver tumors, targeting cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. It's like unlocking a new level in innovative cancer treatment! 🚀
Next, researchers will disassemble and analyze the Y-90 to ensure its safety and effectiveness before moving on to widespread clinical applications. This development not only represents a leap forward in nuclear technology but also holds promise for revolutionizing liver cancer treatments.
Stay tuned as this breakthrough unfolds, offering hope and advanced solutions in the battle against cancer.
Reference(s):
China achieves Yttrium-90 production using commercial reactor
cgtn.com