A recent radiopharmaceutical production breakdown at ANSTO has created problems in the supply of technetium-99m, the most common imaging agent in nuclear medicine. In addition, ANSTO has now been advised that international supplies are at an all time low, and further shortages of technetium-99m are expected.
Technetium-99m is produced when the radioactivity in molybdenum-99, which is produced in research reactors such as ANSTO’s HIFAR, decays. ANSTO supplies molybdenum-99 to doctors via its Gentech Generators, which allows medicos to ‘milk’ the technetium when it’s needed. Most generators last about one week.
In the past few days, ANSTO has been negotiating for the supply of molybdenum-99 from overseas producers to make up for the shortfall and minimise impact on the Australian community. One shipment has arrived safely, and ANSTO customers have been supplied. However, the current international shortage of molybdenum-99 may delay further orders. ANSTO is working hard to resolve this as soon as possible.
ANSTO will package the molybdenum-99 into Gentech Generators as soon as product arrives. Increased production of thallium, which can be used for heart imaging instead of technetium, is also being looked at.
All relevant nuclear medicine clinics and hospitals have been notified of the current world-shortage situation in anticipation of any further delays. This situation underlines the importance of having an Australia-based nuclear medicine production capability (especially through the operation of a nuclear research reactor) as relying on importation is not a satisfactory means of routinely meeting the medical needs of the Australian community.
ANSTO is in direct contact with senior nuclear medical specialists regarding this issue, and regrets any inconvenience caused to doctors and patients