The recent development of isotope and radiation application in Taiwan, ROC

The Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) plays a vital role in both isotope and radiation application in Taiwan, ROC. For research and development of reactor-produced radioisotopes, both Sr-90/Y-90 and W-188/Re-188 generators for therapeutic application were emphasized. For production of cyclotron-produced radioisotopes, I-123, Tl-201, Ga-67, In-111, Co-67 and F-18 were generated using a TR-30/15 cyclotron with H-/D- 30MeV/15MeV and maximum beam current of 400μA/150μA. For preparation of radiopharmaceuticals, a number of organic ligands have been synthesized such as d,1-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO), N- (S-benzoylmercaptoacetyl) triglycine (S-Bz-MAG3), 2-alkoxyisobutylisonitrile and metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and octreotide. R/D and production of radiopharmaceuticals have been carried out in cooperation with domestic hospitals. Some research work related to target radiotherapeutic and radiopharmaceuticals has also been carried out with cooperation of domestic hospitals. The C-13 urea breath test (C-13-UBT) has been extensively studied clinically to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. The detection of this bacteria in the stomach ulcer becomes very important in both diagnosis and therapy monitoring. There are three large Co-60 irradiation plant in Taiwan. The radiosterilization of medical devices has been used in Taiwan for more than 14 years. Besides INER conducted R/D on (1) radiosterilization study of porcine serum, (2) insect sterilization, (3) treatment of condensate microphone with gamma ray, and (4) radiation polymerization for industry and medical applications. In conclusion, the prospects of isotope and radiation applications in Taiwan are very promising and encouraging. The R/D and development of the applications will contribute technical, economic and social benefits to the society. (J.P.N.)