The research team from the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, leveraging the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS), has achieved curie-scale mass production of medical-grade alpha isotopes for the first time. This marks a significant step forward in the independent clinical scaling application of alpha radionuclide therapy. Alpha isotopes hold significant value in targeted cancer therapy; however, previously, core therapeutic alpha isotopes relied on imports, with scarce supply, making mass production a global challenge. In July 2025, the team utilized additional beam irradiation from the spallation neutron source on layered thorium targets and, combining this with independently developed processes, simultaneously extracted multiple medical alpha isotopes for the first time, with radiological nuclear purity exceeding 99%. Recently, the team has acquired the supply capacity to produce curie-scale lead-212 (bismuth-212) annually. The Spallation Neutron Source Science Center is advancing the construction of a dedicated production line, which, upon completion, will achieve an annual production capacity of hundreds of curies. Currently, some alpha isotopes have already been applied in clinical treatments or demonstrated significant therapeutic effects, and independent mass production will provide stable support for clinical research and applications.
