CHINA has achieved a major breakthrough in medical isotope production, breaking its long reliance on imports by successfully mass-producing three key alpha isotopes at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, Guangdong Province.

Often called “nuclear warheads against cancer,” alpha isotopes can precisely destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. However, their separation and purification have posed significant technical challenges.

Wang Sheng, director of the Spallation Neutron Source Science Center, noted that China records nearly 5 million new cancer cases annually — a quarter of the global total. Alpha isotopes offer powerful targeted therapy, as their radiation breaks both DNA strands of cancer cells and triggers a “bystander effect” that can kill nearby tumor cells.

Using excess beam current from the CSNS’ high-energy linear accelerator, Wang’s team irradiated stacked thorium targets. Through a self-developed separation process, they extracted radium-223, actinium-225, and lead-212 — isotopes highly effective against prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. Tests confirm radionuclide purity exceeding 99%, comparable to imported counterparts.

Unlike traditional reactor-based methods, this approach eliminates proliferation risks tied to highly enriched uranium, offers flexible production, and significantly lowers costs, according to Professor Dai Xiongxin, who leads the isotope industrialization project.

The Spallation Neutron Source Science Center has signed a cooperation agreement with the China Isotope & Radiation Corporation to accelerate the transition from lab research to clinical application.

A dedicated alpha isotope production line is now under development. By 2031, annual output is expected to support over 1 million patient doses, greatly improving treatment accessibility. Given the short half-lives of these isotopes, the initiative may also help establish a full-chain targeted therapy industry in Guangdong.

(SD-Agencies)