The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has put forward a proposal to the Nuclear Regulation Authority to expand the purpose of the Joyo experimental fast reactor located in Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture. The JAEA's vision is to utilize the reactor to produce actinium-225, a radioactive substance believed to have potential as a cancer treatment drug. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the JAEA to advance medical radioisotope production and explore innovative cancer therapies.
Officials at the JAEA are optimistic about the prospects of using actinium-225 for cancer treatment, as they plan to develop a therapy that involves administering a drug containing this radioisotope to specifically target cancerous cells within a patient's body. Highlighting the uniqueness of this approach, the JAEA stated that utilizing a fast reactor to manufacture actinium-225 is a rare practice globally. With the goal of starting production by the conclusion of fiscal 2026, the JAEA is working towards leveraging the capabilities of the Joyo reactor to contribute to cancer research and treatment.
Collaboration efforts between the JAEA and the National Cancer Center Japan have been formalized through a research agreement that aims to explore the potential of actinium-225 in cancer therapy. Despite ongoing therapeutic trials using radiation therapy worldwide, the limited availability of actinium-225 restricts the treatment capacity to approximately 3,000 patients annually. The impending reactivation of the Joyo reactor, expected around the middle of fiscal 2026, represents a significant step towards advancing medical radioisotope production and enhancing cancer treatment options.