Ecuadorian Hospital Produces Radioisotope for Early Cancer Diagnosis

The Carlos Andrade Marín Public Hospital (HCAM) has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the only public hospital in Ecuador capable of producing the F-18 radioisotope. This substance is a key component for the early detection of oncological diseases, marking a substantial advancement in the nation's nuclear medicine capabilities and expanding access to specialized diagnostics within the public healthcare system.

The production of F-18 takes place at the hospital's PET Cyclotron Unit, a sophisticated facility that enables the generation of high-precision images. These images are vital for locating and characterizing diseases at the cellular level, allowing specialists to make more accurate diagnoses and tailor personalized treatment plans. This capability positions HCAM as a national leader in the application of nuclear medicine technology within public healthcare.

The F-18 radioisotope is integral to PET CT scans, which identify abnormal metabolic activity associated with various cancers. Beyond oncology, these examinations also aid in diagnosing neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The production process demands highly specialized infrastructure and meticulous technical procedures, including stringent quality controls due to F-18's short half-life. This necessitates rapid production and administration to ensure maximum effectiveness for each patient.

Currently, the PET Cyclotron Unit handles an average of 16 PET CT studies per day, attending to approximately 320 patients monthly. Each PET CT study has a reference cost of USD 1,730, reflecting the significant investment by the Ecuadorian government through the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS) to provide free access to these highly specialized diagnostics. This multidisciplinary effort, involving nuclear medicine specialists, medical physicists, radiochemists, and technologists, ensures the successful production of the radioisotope and the execution of these life-saving diagnostic procedures.