China makes Yttrium-90 radioisotope in commercial nuclear reactor

China has successfully produced Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioisotope using a commercial heavy-water nuclear reactor at the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in Zhejiang province. This marks the first time China has domestically manufactured Y-90 glass microspheres at scale, a significant advancement in the country’s isotope production capabilities. The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) confirmed that the first batch of Y-90 microspheres met all quality standards, enabling large-scale, continuous production. Previously, China relied entirely on imports for this critical isotope used in cancer therapy, presenting challenges for patients. Yttrium-90 microspheres are a key component in transarterial radioembolization (TARE), a minimally invasive treatment for mid-to-late stage liver cancer. The microspheres deliver targeted beta radiation directly to liver tumors via the hepatic artery, destroying cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue due to their limited radiation penetration. The Qinshan team, collaborating with multiple research groups, leveraged the