Today, state-of- the-art twin cyclotrons were placed in their new home at Lucas Heights, bringing with them the promise to help increase the availability of the latest in disease diagnosis and treatment to Australians.
The new Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiopharmaceutical production facility is being built by PETNET Solutions in Australia and is part of a global network offering top of the range nuclear medicine products and facilities.
It will consist of two Siemens manufactured cyclotrons which will produce the short lived radiopharmaceutical 18F-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) used in PET nuclear medicine scanning.
PET is a state-of-the-art nuclear medicine diagnostic technique which has produced significant advances in the diagnosis of cancer and other major medical conditions as it allows doctors to see disease at its earliest stage and precisely monitor treatment.
On time and reliable delivery of high quality PET imaging radioisotopes is essential for the successful operation of a PET practice.
The twin cyclotron facility will ensure there is a duplication of quality systems and processes to guarantee delivery of these important radiopharmaceuticals to hospitals and research facilities at the required dose.
PETNET Solutions operates the largest PET radiopharmacy network with over 50 radiopharmacies and distribution centers worldwide to produce and distribute PET radiopharmaceuticals to hospitals, clinics, and research facilities for PET imaging.
PETNET Solutions is currently growing its network of radiopharmacies to promote global PET utilization. As molecular imaging evolves, PETNET Solutions delivers products and services that expand the value of PET to providers, referring physicians and patients. PETNET Solutions is delivering, expanding, and advancing the science of PET through high quality PET tracers.
The first customer shipment of PET radiopharmaceuticals from the new Lucas Heights facility is expected in June 2009.
PET facilities currently exist in the following hospitals:
- NSW: Royal Prince Alfred Hospital*, Liverpool Hospital, Newcastle Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital and Westmead Hospital.
- VIC: Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute*, Austin Health and Medical Imaging Australia*, Monash Medical Centre.
- QLD: Royal Brisbane Hospital*, Wesley Hospital*.
- WA: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital*. South Australia: Royal Adelaide Hospital. Those with an asterisk have hospital-based cyclotrons.