Cancer treatment fears over Dutch reactor shutdown

Date: 07/03/02

By Peter Chapman

CANCER patients across the European Union could suffer if a radiotherapy plant at the centre of safety fears remains closed for a lengthy period, health chiefs have warned.

The Dutch nuclear reactor at Petten - leased since 1964 as a research facility by the European Commission - produces more than half of the world's medical radioisotopes. These are mildly radioactive materials which detect and treat cancerous cells or tumours.

The 'high-flux' reactor closed on 2 March after the discovery of faulty welding and questions concerning the management of the plant, which is not a Commission responsibility.

Independent experts are carrying out safety tests and should report their findings to Dutch Environment Minister Jan Pronk tomorrow (8 March).

A health ministry official admitted that any lengthy closure could be devastating for cancer victims. A nuclear plant in Canada also produces radioisotopes, but many airlines refuse to transport them across the Atlantic.

There are also fears that the Canadians could hike up prices because they would have a monopoly on the product.

At Petten, Commission scientists are testing experi-mental treatment on highly invasive tumours, such as brain cancer. Patients are treated on-site at the reactor.

Cancer patients across the European Union could suffer if a radiotherapy plant at the centre of safety fears remains closed for a lengthy period, health chiefs have warned.