Current radiopharmaceuticals | 2019
Pre-feasibility Study for Establishing Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Production Facilities in Developing Countries.
Abstract
BACKGROUND\nA significant number of developing countries have no facilities producing medical radioisotopes.\n\n\nOBJECTIVE\nIn this paper we show that access to life-saving radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals and the geographical distribution of corresponding infrastructure is highly unbalanced worldwide.\n\n\nMETHODS\nWe discuss the main issues which need to be addressed in order to establish the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, which are especially important for developing countries as newcomers in the field. The data was gathered from several sources, including databases maintained by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), World Health Organization (WHO), and other international organizations; personal interactions with representatives in the nuclear medicine field from different regions of the world; and relevant literature.\n\n\nRESULTS\nDeveloping radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical production program and installing corresponding infrastructure requires significant investments, both man-power and financial. Support already exists to help developing countries establish their medical radioisotope production installations from several organizations, such as IAEA.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThis work clearly shows that access to life-saving radioisotopes and the geographical distribution of corresponding infrastructure is highly unbalanced. Technology transfer is important as it not only immediate benefits patients, but also provide.