New reactor needed for medical imaging

It is claimed by opponents of the nuclear industry that Australia's demand for medical radioisotopes can be met by cyclotrons. The author argued that any number of cyclotrons will never replace Australia's need for a reactor. The cyclotron production of technetium-99m is technically feasible but undesirable for all of these reasons. The frontiers of nuclear medicine now extend beyond the diagnosis of disease with technetium-99m. Other short-lived radioisotopes are being introduced into nuclear medicine with the capability of reducing the pain associated with cancer. Australia must have its own reactor if its community is to have access to these radioisotopes and reap the benefits of the latest advances