Medical isotopes shortage
Canadian Cancer Society’s perspective
The Canadian Cancer Society is very concerned about the shortage of medical isotopes, as isotopes are used for some cancer-related tests and treatment.
It’s imperative that:
- effective short-term solutions are developed quickly so patients can be helped now
- a long-term strategic plan be put into place. This plan must guarantee a constant, steady supply of medical isotopes for all Canadians. Canada must not face this type of shortage again.
Patients are the priority: Patients must be the primary focus when determining solutions to the shortage of medical isotopes. During an already difficult time, not having access to appropriate care can be stressful and trying. This is simply not acceptable.
Are you a patient affected by the medical isotope shortage? We’d like to hear from you. Read about how the medical isotope shortage has affected Canadians.
Expert Review Panel on Medical Isotopes: On June 19, Peter Goodhand, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, was appointed Chair of the Ministry of Natural Resources Expert Review Panel on Medical Isotope Production. Mr Goodhand will bring the important patient perspective to the deliberations of this panel. The expert review panel will be assessing medium to long-term solutions to the supply of isotopes. Read more.
Work together for short-term solutions: The Society urges all appropriate parties to continue working together to develop short-term solutions for the shortage of medical isotopes to help patients now. These parties include the federal and provincial governments, isotope supply companies, nuclear medicine organizations, academic centres with isotope-producing capabilities and cancer organizations.
The Society continues to talk to different groups to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing patients, as well as recommending a collaborative approach to solutions.
The federal government has announced various measures to address the shortage, including
The Canadian Cancer Society continues to meet with senior federal government representatives to discuss the issue and demand quick action
Share information: An important first step in determining solutions is to have clear, factual information about the current supply of, and demand for, medical isotopes. The federal government must share this information as soon as possible, as well as provide ongoing information about Canada’s isotope supply status to the public.
Message to patients: We understand that patients and their families may be feeling anxious about possible delays and waits for tests because of the shortage of isotopes. Coping with a cancer treatment or a potential diagnosis is stressful enough without worrying about important tests getting delayed.
- It is important for your doctor to check with the local nuclear medicine department to find out how the shortage of isotopes is currently affecting your area. Patients concerned about their medical tests should talk to their doctors.
- The Society encourages patients who are concerned to consider calling our support service to talk to someone who has been through a similar cancer experience. The Society’s trained volunteers draw upon their own cancer experience to offer encouragement, compassion and helpful information to adults living with cancer and those caring for a loved one with cancer. Call 1 888 939-3333 to get connected with someone who can offer support to help you with concerns or fears.
Additional resources: While solutions are being developed, we urge federal and provincial governments to put additional resources into:
- improving access to alternate types of radioactive materials – even if they are more costly, and
- maximizing the use of other diagnostic procedures (people should be informed about the risks and benefits of the tests so they can make an informed decision).
Healthcare institutions: The Canadian Cancer Society applauds cancer centres, hospitals and local health units who are working hard to meet the daily challenge of the isotope shortage.
We encourage healthcare institutions to clearly communicate any changes in diagnostic or treatment procedures involving medical isotopes as quickly as possible. Cancer patients have a right to have thorough and up-to-date information on issues affecting their diagnosis and treatment.
Why is there an isotope shortage?
On May 14, 2009, the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor at Chalk River was shut down as a result of loss of electrical power in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. During a follow-up inspection a heavy water leak was detected. The rate of this leak has been slowed and all material has been contained. The NRU reactor will remain out of service until early 2010. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) confirms that there is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event.
The Chalk River NRU facility produces 30–40% of the world’s medical isotopes. The remaining isotopes are produced by 4 other facilities throughout the world. It is anticipated that 1 of these facilities will be shut down for extended maintenance in 2010. While the Chalk River facility is out of service, worldwide access to medical isotopes will be limited, sometimes significantly. The amount of isotopes available to individual cancer centres and hospitals cannot be predicted as access and distribution can vary between and within provinces.
What tests and treatments for cancer patients are affected?
Medical isotopes generated from nuclear research reactors are used in some diagnostic tests and treatments that affect cancer patients. These include:
The impact of the shortage is difficult to predict. Some tests may continue to be done, other tests may be modified, or different tests and procedures may be used.
Several other diagnostic and treatment methods exist that use isotopes generated from cyclotrons instead of nuclear facilities. These will not be affected by the Chalk River shutdown. These include, among others, tests using thallium and treatments involving brachytherapy.
It is important for your doctor to check with the local nuclear medicine department to find out the current situation in your area about the supply of isotopes.
What is being done by local health authorities?
The Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine is working with local health authorities to develop and implement guidelines for prioritizing the tests that will require use of the limited amount of isotopes available. This group will also identify alternate tests that can be used for remaining patients.
The Ontario provincial government has posted guidelines here.
Suggested links
Health Canada
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (for status updates on the NRU reactor)
Natural Resources Canada
Last modified on:
13 December 2009
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