Radioisotopes for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans will be produced locally in the Territory, with the construction of the cyclotron facility now complete.
PET scans provide detailed medical images that can help with the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The final phase of commissioning is underway, which involves setting up the cyclotron so it is ready to ‘beam on.’
The process includes reviewing the technological set-up within the cyclotron vault, such as checking the radio frequency, targets and transfer lines. When the beam is able to turn on, this signifies the effective production of radioisotopes, the first important step in manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals. The cyclotron will be staffed by a highly skilled workforce including a Cyclotron Operations Manager already on site and a Quality Control & Safety Manager currently being recruited.
Commencement of isotope production for use by the Royal Darwin Hospital PET scanner service is scheduled for June.
As novel radioisotopes become available, the ability to produce many of them locally will vastly improve capability as well as care for Territorians. In addition, PET scan appointments can be made available at shorter notice, as technical disruptions from interstate, for example flight cancellations, will no longer impact clinical schedules, resulting in tangible benefit and convenience for NT patients.
The cyclotron will have the capacity to produce more isotopes than currently required, ensuring the facility is future-proofed to meet any increases in demand for PET scanner services in the Territory.
The cyclotron is part of the NT Expanding Cancer Services Project – a $23 million joint initiative between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments.
The project includes the PET scanner and a $5 million expansion of the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre, which included the commissioning of an additional 12 chemotherapy chairs.
The total cost of the cyclotron and PET scanner is $18 million. It will create jobs in the highly skilled and dynamic sector of Nuclear Medicine, In which Australia is one of the leading countries in the world.
Quotes from Health Minister Natasha Fyles:
“The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in healthcare to improve services and patient care for Territorians.
“Isotopes for the Royal Darwin Hospital PET scanner are currently sourced from interstate, but local production will ensure availability at all times for faster diagnosis and treatment, leading to improved health outcomes for Territorians.”
