The South African National Accelerator Centre: particle therapy and isotope production programmes

Abstract

The National Accelerator Centre (NAC) provides facilities for basic and applied research, radioisotope production and particle therapy. To date, 851 patients have been treated on the 66 MeV p+Be isocentric neutron therapy unit while 191 patients have been treated (mainly for intracranial conditions) on the 200 MeV horizontal proton beam facility. A variety of radioisotopes such as 67Ga, 81Rb/ 81Kr, 111In, 123I, and 201Tl are produced on a regular weekly basis, and more than 1000 consignments of radiopharmaceuticals prepared from these radioisotopes are supplied to more than 30 hospitals and private practices throughout South Africa each year. Some non-medical radioisotopes are also produced.