Why in News?

• Cyclone-30 equipment used for generating radio-isotopes became operational at a VECC, Kolkata, a Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) unit.
• Cyclone-30 commissioning re-emphasises the capability of Indian scientists and engineers to deliver at the highest level of science and technology.

Cyclone-30:

• Cyclotrons are used to produce radioisotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic use for cancer care.
• Radiations from these isotopes are used to destroy cancer cells.
• Cyclone-30, the biggest cyclotron in India for medical application became operational this month when 30 MeV beam reached the Faraday Cup for the first time last week.

Isotopes to be produced:

• Subsequently, beam from this facility was used to produce 18F (Fluorine-18 isotope) for the preparation of 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a radio-pharmaceutical.
• Presently it produces liquid target (for FDG production) and solid targets (production of Germanium-68, Palladium-103 and other isotopes).
• Later on installation of Iodine isotope [1-123] production target, material study target and Accelerator Driven System target will also be taken up.

Importance of the project:

• This facility will provide for affordable radio isotopes and related radiopharmaceuticals for the entire country especially, for Eastern India.
•  It will also have export potential for Germanium-68/Gallium-68 generator for in-situ production of Gallium-68 and Palladium-103 isotopes, used for breast cancer diagnosis and prostate cancer treatment, respectively.