"Nuclear Medicine Shortage Could Cause Deaths"
Introduction:
A shortage of special medicine used to find diseases like breast and bowel cancer could lead to lives being lost. Experts are warning that the UK doesn’t have enough medical radioactive isotopes, causing delays in cancer diagnosis.
There are growing calls for the UK to start making its own nuclear medicine instead of relying on imports. One plan, called Project Arthur, suggests building a £400 million medical lab at the old nuclear plant in Trawsfynydd, North Wales. This small nuclear reactor would make the radioactive materials needed for detecting cancer.
Nuclear medicine is key in spotting cancerous tumors and tracking the disease's progress. However, a reactor in the Netherlands had to stop production last month, meaning no fresh supplies could be sent to the UK.
Prof Simon Middleburgh from Bangor University’s Nuclear Futures Institute warned,
"For every month someone goes undiagnosed, their chance of dying from cancer goes up by 10%. Right now, people are dying because they’re not being diagnosed in time. Cancer is spreading, and people will die. This shortage could affect hundreds, maybe thousands, of people."
Prof Middleburgh is a strong supporter of Project Arthur, which was first revealed by the Welsh government in January 2023. A study has been done, and a business case is being submitted to the UK government for funding. This project would make sure the UK has its own supply of nuclear isotopes.
"This is not new technology," said Prof Middleburgh. "We can buy it off the shelf. It’s not just for Wales—it’s for the whole of the UK. We just need to push the button and get started."
What are radioisotopes?
Radioisotopes are used to diagnose and treat certain cancers, like prostate and liver cancer. Once they are injected or swallowed, they are absorbed by the cancer inside the body. They are already commonly used by the NHS for treatment and diagnosis.
When people receive nuclear medicine, it releases radiation from inside the body. This radiation, like gamma rays, can be detected by scanners to show the size and location of tumors. However, this is different from external radiotherapy, where radiation is aimed at tumors from outside the body.
Worries for patients
If Project Arthur were approved today, it could take until 2030 for the facility to be ready. Meanwhile, the UK government is trying to fix the current shortage of nuclear isotopes.
“We know this is worrying for patients, and we are working with the company to solve the problem,” said a UK government official. “We are also working with NHS England and the devolved governments to distribute the available stock and make sure patients in critical need are prioritized.”
The Welsh government continues to support the plans for Trawsfynydd and is working with partners to move the project forward.
However, Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville-Roberts said action is needed now to prevent future shortages. "The Welsh government must push the business case hard. They need to cost it and work with Bangor University, and the UK government has to see that, yes, it will cost—but think about the cost if we do nothing. We are talking about lives lost."
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