ID :
28612
Wed, 11/05/2008 - 14:38
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/28612
The shortlink copeid
S. Korean scientists develop compact anti-cancer generator
By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean scientists said Wednesday that they have created a highly efficient, compact anti-cancer isotope generator that will likely spur local medical equipment development.
A team led by Lee Joon-sik, a chief researcher at the state-run Korea Atomic
Energy Research Institute (KAERI), said the 188-Rhenium (188Re) isotope generator
makes use of a special ceramic-based absorbent column. They claim the so-called
Sol-Gel technology reduces the size of the absorbent by one-thirtieth compared
with similar equipment on the market and is 50-100 times more efficient in
producing the therapeutic material.
The isotope is created through decaying tungsten-188 and has considerable
therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Because it has a half-life of 16.9 hours
after creation, it must be made at hospitals near patients so it can administered
quickly.
The KAERI scientist who led the project, said the new generator permits hospitals
to easily produce and use high concentration of 188Re for treatment.
He said that technology used in the new device has been submitted for patent
protection in the United States, which currently controls the global market in
related technology. It has already won local intellectual property rights.
In addition to creating 188Re, basic technology that goes into the generator can
be utilized to make other medical equipment including a device to produce
Technetium-99m (99m-Tc) that is used worldwide in a diagnostic nuclear medical
procedures. Demand for 99m-Tc outstrips supply which is affecting the quality of
treatment in many parts of the world.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology that supported research said
the new equipment has received worldwide praise with many laboratories in
countries like the United States, Russia, Poland and South African requesting
samples of the key absorbent column.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean scientists said Wednesday that they have created a highly efficient, compact anti-cancer isotope generator that will likely spur local medical equipment development.
A team led by Lee Joon-sik, a chief researcher at the state-run Korea Atomic
Energy Research Institute (KAERI), said the 188-Rhenium (188Re) isotope generator
makes use of a special ceramic-based absorbent column. They claim the so-called
Sol-Gel technology reduces the size of the absorbent by one-thirtieth compared
with similar equipment on the market and is 50-100 times more efficient in
producing the therapeutic material.
The isotope is created through decaying tungsten-188 and has considerable
therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Because it has a half-life of 16.9 hours
after creation, it must be made at hospitals near patients so it can administered
quickly.
The KAERI scientist who led the project, said the new generator permits hospitals
to easily produce and use high concentration of 188Re for treatment.
He said that technology used in the new device has been submitted for patent
protection in the United States, which currently controls the global market in
related technology. It has already won local intellectual property rights.
In addition to creating 188Re, basic technology that goes into the generator can
be utilized to make other medical equipment including a device to produce
Technetium-99m (99m-Tc) that is used worldwide in a diagnostic nuclear medical
procedures. Demand for 99m-Tc outstrips supply which is affecting the quality of
treatment in many parts of the world.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology that supported research said
the new equipment has received worldwide praise with many laboratories in
countries like the United States, Russia, Poland and South African requesting
samples of the key absorbent column.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)