CERN-MEDICIS: A Review Since Commissioning in 2017

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Radioisotope production
• Medical physics

Background:

• The CERN-MEDICIS facility, an extension of ISOLDE, was established to produce non-conventional radionuclides for medical research.
• It supports research and development in nuclear medicine, including imaging, diagnostics, radiation therapy, and personalized medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the achievements and milestones of the CERN-MEDICIS facility since its first radioactive ion beam delivery in December 2017.
• To highlight the facility's role in supplying novel medical isotopes and its recent operational focus in 2020.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a 1.4 GeV proton beam from the CERN Proton Synchrotron Booster to irradiate targets.
• Employs a remote handling system and a dedicated isotope separator beamline with high-temperature target processing (up to 2,300°C).
• Incorporates the MELISSA laser laboratory to enhance separation efficiency and selectivity for radionuclide extraction and implantation.

Main Results:

• Successfully delivered its first radioactive ion beam in December 2017.
• Provided partner institutes with high specific activity non-conventional medical radionuclides, including Tb-149, Tb-152, Tb-155, Sm-153, Tm-165, Tm-167, Er-169, Yb-175, and Ac-225.
• Focused on recent operations in 2020, demonstrating continued productivity and contribution to medical research.

Conclusions:

• CERN-MEDICIS has become a vital facility for producing specialized medical isotopes.
• The collaboration has expanded, involving fourteen institutes to drive the scientific program and assess community needs.
• The facility is crucial for advancing research in advanced nuclear medicine applications.