The Association of Imaging Producers & Equipment Suppliers (AIPES) held a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on September 3 to discuss the shortage of molybdenum-99 in Europe.
European nuclear medicine facilities have been hit by the unplanned shutdowns in recent weeks of two reactors that supply molybdenum-99, the precursor to technetium-99m, one of the most widely used radiopharmaceuticals. The High Flux Reactor (HFR) in the Netherlands shut down on August 22, while the BR2 reactor at the Institut National des Radioéléments (IRE) in Belgium shut down just a few days later following a leak of radioactive iodine. Both reactors were built in 1961.
At the AIPES meeting, attendees discussed ways to cope with the shortage, which the association estimated would result in a 30% reduction in technetium-99m deliveries. The shortage is expected to last four to six weeks.
AIPES and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) are working on recommendations for nuclear medicine physicians on replacement isotopes for technetium-99m. There may still be delays or cancellations of diagnostic exams, however, according to AIPES president Marc Gheeraert.
"Despite the efforts made to overcome this temporary shortage, a long-term strategy to replace the very old isotope reactors needs to be implemented at [the European Union] level," Gheeraert said. "AIPES had already started an independent assessment of future isotope needs and required production capacity which will be presented to all stakeholders upon its completion in the coming months."
Related Reading
AECL: Increased production won't cover demand, August 29, 2008
Belgium restricts local food after radioactive leak, August 29, 2008
SNM has 'serious concerns' over isotope situation, August 28, 2008
AECL monitors isotope supply after Dutch shutdown, August 26, 2008
SNM draft report shows U.S. Mo-99 production years away, July 22, 2008
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