BR2 produces record quantities of medical radioisotopes. More than 12 million patients have been helped thanks to this production

The Belgian nuclear research center SCK CEN produces medical radioisotopes in the BR2 reactor. Per reactor cycle, ten to fifteen different radioisotopes are produced. Two radioisotopes accounted for most of the production: ⁹⁹Mo, the source of the most important diagnostic radioisotope ^99mTc, and ¹⁷⁷Lu, a radioisotope that is actively used in the battle against prostate cancer. Production of ⁹⁹Mo increased by a 25%, while ¹⁷⁷Lu production saw an unprecedented increase of 75%. In total, more than 12 million diagnoses and 25,000 treatments were made possible thanks to Belgian production. SCK CEN expanded its portfolio of radioisotopes with the therapeutic radioisotope ¹⁶⁶Ho, a better alternative to ⁹⁰Y, which is currently the standard in selective internal radiation (SIRT).