US-based Westinghouse Electric has successfully tested what it called a “novel approach” to produce actinium-225 (Ac-225) medical radioisotopes in commercial nuclear reactors.

Ac-225 is an alpha-emitting isotope which holds promise for cancer patients. It can be used in targeted alpha therapy to tackle solid tumours, metastases and systemic cancers such as leukaemia.

The radioisotope is undergoing several clinical trials and although demand is growing in the pharmaceutical industry, Ac-225 supplies are limited globally, potentially curbing progress on its future use.