Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN and the National Institute for Radioelements (IRE) have signed an agreement to start the large-scale production of the radioisotope lutetium-177 (Lu-177).

SCK CEN said the agreement “opens up opportunities for cancer patients”. Among other things, Lu-177 is promising for the treatment of prostate cancer, which is responsible for 90,000 deaths each year in Europe.

Eric van Walle, SCK CEN’s director-general, said: “Over the past two years, we have conducted extensive research and development to perfect our innovative method for producing pure lutetium-177. We are now ready to convert our own research into a full-scale production line.”