The Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) has installed a state-of-the-art cyclotron worth Rs1.5 billion, enabling the production of Gallium 68 isotope radiation for positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
The breakthrough benefits cancer patients within a 200-kilometre radius of Islamabad, reducing the dependency on facilities in Lahore.
During a media briefing on December 18, NORI Director Dr. Muhammad Faheem highlighted the significance of this advancement.
Previously, Gallium 68 isotopes were only available in Lahore, and their short life prevented transportation to Islamabad for PET scans, due to which patients in the northern areas suffered greatly, he explained.
PET scans are critical imaging tests that use radioactive tracers to reveal metabolic or biochemical activity in tissues and organs, assisting in both diagnosis and treatment planning.
How Cyclotrons play a crucial role in Cancer Treatment
Cyclotrons are machines that produce radioactive isotopes used in cancer diagnosis and treatment. They create high-energy protons that generate these isotopes, which are then used to make radiotracers for PET scans. PET scans help doctors detect and monitor cancer by imaging how these tracers behave in the body.
Cyclotrons are essential for diagnosing and treating many types of cancer, including brain, breast, cervical, gastrointestinal, head and neck, kidney, lung, lymphoma, mesothelioma, and prostate cancer. The isotopes produced have short half-lives, requiring quick use, which is why cyclotrons are located close to PET imaging centers for timely treatment.
Accessible cancer care for all
Dr. Faheem emphasized NORI’s commitment to affordable and inclusive care. “We are providing medicines to in-patients at 40% discounted rates from the hospital pharmacy. Moreover, we have a no-refusal policy which ensures treatment for 80% of the cancer patients at 19 hospitals of the Atomic Energy Commission’s Cancer Hospitals (AECHs),” he said.
He also showcased the hospital’s modern equipment and superior environment, comparing it favorably to private hospitals in Pakistan. Notably, a sign at Dr. Faheem’s office door read, “No gift, please,” emphasizing ethical medical practices.
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Scientific Information Director General Shahid Riaz Khan praised NORI’s contributions since its establishment in 1983. “We treat patients denied care elsewhere, often achieving remarkable recoveries,” he noted.
Advancing oncology training and research
In Pakistan, there are approximately 40 cancer treatment facilities, with nearly 50% operated by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission There are around 250 radiation oncologists in the country, with nearly half of them working in Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals (AECHs), informed Dr. Shazia Fatima, Director General of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology. NORI also offers the CyberKnife facility, she added.
She stressed the importance of early diagnosis in reducing treatment costs and highlighted NORI’s efforts in public awareness and international training programs.
She added that the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) was producing medicines and saving foreign exchange to the tune of Rs350 million.
She shared data indicating that 58% of NORI’s patients are women, and 42% are men, further emphasizing the institution’s role in preparing a national cancer registry.
Cancer survivor’s story
Mohammad Zia, a 54-year-old father of two, was diagnosed with cancer in January 2024. Initially, he experienced chest pain and, after several tests, a radiologist informed him that a node had been found on his kidney, but it was considered untreatable as the cancer had spread to his liver and blood. This news devastated him, especially after years of struggle and seeing his sons pursue PhDs, as he had hoped for better times ahead.
However, after seeking treatment at NORI, he was told by Dr. Faheem that the cancer was confined to his kidney, and immediate surgery to remove it was recommended. Following his treatment, nearly a year later, he was declared a cancer survivor.
Through advancements like the cyclotron and its patient-focused approach, NORI continues to transform cancer care in Pakistan.