Fusion reactor could treat cancer

A UK startup is introducing cutting-edge technology that could transform cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The first MSF reactor. Photo: Astral Systems

Astral Systems, a company founded by the University of Bristol, has introduced a unique Multi-Stage Fusion Reactor (MSF), designed to produce isotopes needed for cancer radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging, Interesting Engineering reported on November 28. These isotopes are radioactive substances used in medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. According to the company's announcement, they play an important role in targeted therapy by effectively destroying cancer cells during radiotherapy. In addition, they can act as "radioactive tracers" in the body, facilitating the detection of diseases through imaging, thereby providing doctors with information about the structure and function of internal organs and tissues in the body.

Astral Systems is planning to build small fusion reactors that could be placed in radiotherapy facilities not just in the UK but around the world. By installing smaller reactors, they seek to reduce the risk of relying on a few large reactors, ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of medical isotopes.

“Our system is much faster to develop and can produce isotopes at a smaller scale than alternative technologies. This means medical isotopes can be produced near or within hospitals without the need for international nuclear power plants, thereby reducing waiting times and costs while improving the quality of patient care,” said Talmon Firestone, co-founder and CEO of Astral Systems.

In 2021, the University of Bristol partnered with the Astral Science and Technology Council (STFC) to provide nearly $1.3 million in research funding to optimize and commercialize MSR reactor technology in a project called MicroNOVA. If all goes according to plan, this technology could usher in a new era in cancer treatment.

An Khang (According to Interesting Engineering )

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