2009-01-15

ASH has submitted comments to the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (NSAC) Isotopes Subcommittee in response to a workshop report that assessed the nation’s current and future needs for isotopes.

The NSAC Subcommittee was charged with: (1) considering broad community input on how research isotopes are used and identifying compelling research opportunities using isotopes, and (2) studying the opportunities and priorities for ensuring a robust national program in isotope production and development, and recommending a long-term strategic plan that will provide a framework for a coordinated implementation of the Department of Energy’s (DOEs) National Isotope Production and Applications Program over the next decade. In addition to assessing the current and future needs for isotopes, the Subcommittee’s report also made recommendations to the National Isotopes Production and Application Program regarding the availability of stable radioisotopes for research and development, therapeutics, and other applications.

ASH’s comments to the Subcommittee supported its efforts to implement a program to ensure an adequate supply for isotopes that are used in basic and clinical research, therapeutics, and patient care. ASH also shared with the Subcommittee the recent Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff report on the uses and availability of Cesium-137 Chloride which echoed ASH’s concerns about the future availability of Cesium-137 Chloride and urged the Commission to maintain current Cesium-137 Chloride use in blood irradiation, biomedical research, and patient care.

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