What an enthralling day filled with discovery! I had the privilege of visiting Geneva to delve into the fascinating world of CERN, the renowned institution probing the most fundamental particles and laws of the universe. While the origins of the Big Bang remain elusive, the researchers at CERN are steadily advancing our understanding.
CERN's contributions to humanity are monumental. Thanks to their groundbreaking work, we've witnessed the birth of the World Wide Web, PET technology, touch screens, and even the first 3D color X-ray images of the human body.
My focus during the visit was on #nuclear #medicine and the pivotal role of #radioisotopes, which save millions of lives annually. These isotopes are indispensable for diagnostic imaging across various health conditions and for combating #cancer through specific treatments. The concept of using radioisotopes to fight cancer isn't new; Marie Sklodowska-Curie herself advocated for radium's potential as a cure in a 1921 article for The New York Times.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Thierry Stora for introducing me to CERN-Medicis, a facility dedicated to researching medical radionuclides and pioneering mass separation techniques.
I also extend my thanks to Laura Lambert for generously allowing me to witness the intricate process of radioisotope production in her laboratory. From target preparation to irradiation and separation, each step was a testament to human ingenuity. Additionally, Sven de Man's insights into robotic handling techniques for maintaining safety and preventing contamination were eye-opening.
Radioisotopes, whether naturally occurring or manmade, play a vital role in modern medicine. While they offer immense therapeutic potential, their short half-lives present logistical challenges in the supply chain. This underscores the importance of on-site production facilities like those at HUG - Hopital Universitaire de Genève, where accelerator expedites the delivery of molecular medicine and imaging services to patients.
The field of nuclear medicine is evolving rapidly to meet growing demand. HUG's introduction of targeted radionuclide therapies to patients in 2023 is a testament to this progress, promising improved outcomes with fewer side effects. As articulated by Professor Valentina GARIBOTTO, while molecular medicine continues to advance, it's not without its challenges. Regulatory, technical, political, and financial obstacles hinder the seamless flow of radioisotopes through the supply chain.
Philippe C. and I are collaborating on an European Economic and Social Committee opinion to highlight these challenges and propose solutions. Despite Europe's leading position in radioisotope production, it remains vulnerable to dependencies on third countries for essential materials and processing operations. It's imperative that EU Member States prioritize the reinforcement of Europe's capacities to ensure the security of radioisotope supplies for medical purposes.
