Expanding PET Radiopharmaceutical Production in Burkina Faso with an LBT 11 MeV Medical Cyclotron

LBT has completed the installation of an 11 MeV medical cyclotron in Burkina Faso, supporting the development of local PET radiopharmaceutical production and molecular imaging services. The project provides the medical center with an on-site cyclotron platform for producing short-lived PET radionuclides and helps establish a more independent and flexible supply of radiopharmaceuticals for clinical applications.

An Integrated Cyclotron Solution for Local F-18 Production

At the center of the project is an LBT 11 MeV cyclotron configured with one F-18 target for routine radionuclide production. By bringing cyclotron production directly to the medical center, short-lived radionuclides such as F-18 can be produced close to the point of use, reducing dependence on long-distance supply and providing greater flexibility for daily PET operations.

The medical cyclotron is also equipped with an LBT self-shielding system. Compared with a conventional non-self-shielded cyclotron installation requiring extensive bunker shielding, the self-shielded configuration provides an integrated radiation protection solution and can simplify facility planning and construction requirements.

For medical centers developing new PET capabilities, the combination of the cyclotron, F-18 target, and self-shielding system provides a practical platform for establishing local radionuclide production.

Supporting a Broader Range of PET Radiopharmaceutical Applications

The Burkina Faso cyclotron project is designed not only for conventional F-18 FDG production but also to support a broader range of PET radiopharmaceutical applications.

With local F-18 production from the cyclotron and appropriate downstream radiochemistry and synthesis processes, the center can support PET imaging applications including PSMA imaging, choline imaging, and DOPA imaging. These applications can expand the role of PET molecular imaging across different clinical areas and provide greater flexibility for future radiopharmaceutical development.

A reliable cyclotron supply of short-lived radionuclides is particularly important because many PET isotopes have limited half-lives. On-site production therefore gives nuclear medicine centers greater control over production schedules, radiopharmaceutical preparation, and clinical workflows.

Building Local Nuclear Medicine Capability

The installation of a local cyclotron represents an important step in establishing a more complete nuclear medicine infrastructure. Instead of relying entirely on external radionuclide supply, the center can integrate cyclotron production with radiopharmaceutical preparation and PET imaging within its own nuclear medicine workflow.

The project combines the LBT cyclotron, F-18 target technology, self-shielding, and supporting radiopharmaceutical production solutions. This integrated approach allows the equipment configuration to be adapted to the center’s clinical requirements, production capacity, facility conditions, and future development plans.

For emerging nuclear medicine markets, access to a reliable medical cyclotron can help create the infrastructure needed for sustainable PET services. From routine F-18 production to a wider range of molecular imaging applications, the Burkina Faso project demonstrates how a compact cyclotron platform can support the development of local PET radiopharmaceutical capabilities.

Supporting the Development of PET Services in Emerging Markets

As PET imaging and radiopharmaceutical applications continue to expand globally, LBT is working with hospitals, imaging centers, research institutions, and radiopharmaceutical facilities to develop cyclotron solutions suited to different production requirements and facility conditions.

The Burkina Faso installation is another example of LBT’s international cyclotron projects and its commitment to supporting the development of reliable local radionuclide production capabilities.

For more information about LBT medical cyclotron solutions:

🔗 https://www.chinacyclotron.com/cyclotron/