Cyclotrons: Powering Cancer Care, Diagnostics, and Medical Innovation
This early prototype was just 10 cm wide, but Lawrence’s innovation was so impactful that it earned him the 1939 Nobel Prize in Physics.
If you've ever had a PET scan or heard of radiation treatments for cancer or brain tumors, there’s a strong chance that a cyclotron—a type of particle accelerator—was behind the science. These compact yet powerful machines are revolutionizing modern medicine, particularly in diagnostics and cancer therapy, and are increasingly becoming part of the global health and research infrastructure.
But what exactly is a cyclotron, and how does it work? Why is it so important today—and how is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) helping countries harness its potential?
What is a Cyclotron?
Invented in 1931 by American physicist Ernest O. Lawrence and student M. Stanley Livingston at the University of California, Berkeley, the cyclotron was a groundbreaking innovation in nuclear physics. It could accelerate charged particles—such as protons or ions—to high speeds using magnetic and electric fields, allowing them to collide with target materials and generate radioisotopes through nuclear reactions.
This early prototype was just 10 cm wide, but Lawrence’s innovation was so impactful that it earned him the 1939 Nobel Prize in Physics.
How Does a Cyclotron Work?
The inner workings of a cyclotron involve a blend of physics and engineering:
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Charged particles are injected into the center of the machine.
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Two D-shaped metal electrodes, called “dees”, lie between magnetic poles. The magnetic field causes the particles to travel in a spiral path, while an alternating electric field boosts their speed every time they cross the gap between the dees.
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As the particles gain speed and energy, they spiral outward toward the edge.
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Once they reach the desired energy, they are directed onto a target, where they generate radioactive isotopes through controlled collisions.
These isotopes are then used for medical imaging, cancer therapy, environmental monitoring, and more.
Cyclotrons vs. Other Particle Accelerators
Though cyclotrons are one of several types of particle accelerators, they are uniquely suited to medical applications.
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Cyclotrons accelerate particles in a spiral path, making them compact, cost-effective, and easy to operate. They’re ideal for producing short-lived medical isotopes close to where they’re needed—such as in hospitals.
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Linear accelerators (linacs) propel particles in a straight line. They’re simpler in structure but need more space to achieve comparable energy levels. Linacs are commonly used in radiotherapy for precision cancer treatment.
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Synchrotrons, the most powerful of all, are found in national research labs. They use variable magnetic fields and RF acceleration to achieve ultra-high energies, ideal for fundamental research but far too large and expensive for medical clinics.
Cyclotrons in Modern Medicine
The core medical application of cyclotrons is in producing radioisotopes—unstable atoms that emit radiation and are used for diagnosing and treating diseases, especially cancer.
Medical Imaging
Cyclotron-produced isotopes are used in PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) scans, which allow physicians to detect cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and other conditions at an early stage. These scans are highly precise and crucial for treatment planning.
Cancer Treatment
In targeted radionuclide therapy, radioactive drugs produced using cyclotrons are designed to seek out and destroy cancer cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. These personalized treatments are proving to be powerful weapons in the fight against cancers such as thyroid, prostate, and neuroendocrine tumors.
Why Onsite Production Matters
Many diagnostic isotopes, such as fluorine-18, have half-lives of just a few hours, meaning they decay rapidly and must be produced near the treatment facility. This makes cyclotrons ideal, as they can be installed in hospitals or nearby labs, ensuring timely and effective diagnosis and therapy.
In the past, medical isotopes were produced in nuclear reactors using uranium, a process that carries safety, security, and waste management challenges. Cyclotrons offer a cleaner and safer alternative, avoiding the use of highly enriched uranium and significantly reducing radioactive waste.
The Growing Global Demand for Cyclotrons
Today, thousands of cyclotrons operate in hospitals, cancer centers, and research facilities around the world. Demand is increasing due to:
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Rising cancer incidence
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Greater reliance on non-invasive diagnostic tools
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Global initiatives to reduce uranium-based isotope production
Advancements in compact, low-energy cyclotrons have made them more accessible to smaller and mid-sized hospitals, democratizing access to precision medicine.
Beyond Healthcare: Cyclotrons in Science and Industry
In addition to healthcare, cyclotrons support:
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Environmental research, such as tracing pollutants and studying soil and water composition.
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Materials engineering, by analyzing the structure and durability of advanced materials.
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Security applications, through the detection of illicit nuclear materials or explosives.
The IAEA’s Role in Expanding Cyclotron Access
As part of its mission to support peaceful nuclear technologies, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) helps countries—especially those with limited resources—establish and operate cyclotron facilities safely and effectively.
Key IAEA Activities:
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Technical Guidance: Advising on infrastructure development and equipment needs.
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Training Programs: Building the capacity of medical physicists, engineers, and nuclear medicine professionals.
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Research Coordination: Leading Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) to explore new isotopes and expand cyclotron capabilities.
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Global Databases: Maintaining the IAEA Database of Cyclotrons for Radionuclide Production and the Radiopharmacy Database, which serve as valuable resources for policymakers, researchers, and students.
Looking Ahead: Evolving with the 21st Century
Though the basic principle behind the cyclotron has changed little since the 1930s, its applications have rapidly evolved. Today’s cyclotrons are smarter, smaller, and more efficient, making them a cornerstone of modern medicine and science.
As countries strive to provide safer, faster, and more personalized care, the role of cyclotrons in producing medical-grade radioisotopes without uranium will only become more crucial.
From cancer care to cutting-edge research, the cyclotron remains one of the most versatile and impactful innovations of modern science—proving that nearly a century after its invention, its relevance and utility continue to grow.
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