China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has announced a major breakthrough: for the first time, Yttrium-90 (Y-90) glass microspheres have been successfully produced inside a commercial nuclear reactor. This milestone was achieved through precision irradiation at the Qinshan Nuclear Power Base in the Chinese mainland's Zhejiang Province, and the microspheres have passed all relevant tests.
Y-90 is a beta-emitting radioisotope widely used in medical treatments for liver tumors. By loading the isotope into tiny glass beads, clinicians can deliver targeted therapy through the hepatic artery, shutting down tumor growth while sparing healthy tissue. With this proof of concept in a commercial reactor, CNNC is paving the way for mass production and more affordable, consistent supply of Y-90.
The shift from dedicated research reactors to commercial power facilities represents a leap in production capacity. It signals not only a boost for patients in need of advanced radiotherapy, but also fresh opportunities for medtech startups and pharma companies looking to scale interventional oncology solutions across G20 nations.
Next on the agenda, researchers will carefully disassemble and analyze the newly minted Y-90 microspheres. Once cleared for safety and efficacy, they will move to the application phase, bringing this cutting-edge treatment closer to clinics nationwide and beyond.
For young global citizens, business innovators, and changemakers focused on sustainable health and tech innovation, this development underscores the power of cross-sector collaboration—from nuclear engineering to medicine—to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges.
Reference(s):
China achieves Yttrium-90 production using commercial reactor
cgtn.com
