How Radioisotope Supply Chain Disruptions Impact Cancer Therapy Worldwide? Let’s start with some good news: we are living in an era where science is rewriting the story of cancer care. From early detection to highly targeted treatments, the progress has been nothing short of revolutionary, and a big part of this success comes from the power of radioisotopes. These tiny but mighty elements help doctors diagnose and treat cancer with incredible precision. However, behind every successful scan or therapy session lies a complex and delicate network of radioisotope supply chain that keeps this life-saving technology running. And when that chain faces disruptions, the effects ripple through hospitals, research centers, and the lives of patients worldwide. The Backbone of Modern Cancer Care Whether it’s a PET scan that detects tumors early or a targeted therapy that zeroes in on cancer cells, radioisotopes can make it possible. Yet, the production of radioisotopes is a high-stakes process that depends on a few specialized nuclear reactors and accelerators. These facilities tend to operate under strict conditions and often serve multiple countries, so when one reactor pauses for maintenance or transport regulations tighten, the shortage can quickly spread globally. As per the World Nuclear Association, the radioisotope that’s most widely used in medicine is Technetium-99m, which is employed in around 80% of all nuclear medicine procedures, and the radioisotope has a half- life of just six hours. (Source) This means that every delay in production or delivery has a direct, immediate impact on patient care. Here’s a quick look at how these disruptions affect the system: Challenge Impact on cancer care Example Reactor shutdowns Delayed or canceled treatments Maintenance halts isotope supply Transport restrictions Reduced accessibility Customs hold radioactive materials Short half - life isotopes Limited delivery time Tc - 99m becomes unusable after hours Limited global producers Supply bottlenecks Dependence on a few key reactors Supply Disruptions are Felt Most by the Patients The impact of disruption in the Lutetium-177 commercial supply chain, or any radioisotope for that matter, isn’t just technical; it’s personal. A shortage of critical isotopes can delay life - saving therapies for advanced prostate or neuroendocrine cancers. The commercial supply of these radioisotopes has seen fluctuations due to global production and logistics constraints, which affect thousands of patients throughout the globe. Similarly, the hunt for a dependable Ac-225 supplier continues as the demand for Actinium-225 grows, especially in new-age targeted alpha therapies. Turning Crisis into Opportunity Challenges tend to drive innovation, and this is true in the case of the medical application of radioisotopes as well. Key industry players like Nusano are investing in next-generation production technologies to decentralize and stabilize isotope generation to ensure that the production of radioisotopes continues to expand safely and reliably. The journey towards a more resilient global isotope network is well underway. With innovation, collaboration, and foresight, we can prevent disruptions and keep cancer care on track because when science, supply, and compassion align, the results can be truly life- altering. Need more information on the details of how radioisotope production can be streamlined for improved patient outcomes? Reach out to our team at Nusano today! Source: https://nusano.wordpress.com/2025/12/01/how-radioisotope-supply-chain- disruptions-impact-cancer-therapy-worldwide/