Iran Achieves Nuclear Medical Equipment Technology, Enables Targeted Cancer Surgery with Domestic Devices
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, a domestic knowledge-based company has been actively engaged in the design, production, installation, and maintenance of nuclear medical imaging systems since 2010, achieving the capability to manufacture a range of specialized equipment in this field. Key products include the inSIGHT full-body SPECT imaging system, ProSPECT and ProSPECT II cardiac SPECT systems, Xtrim animal PET imaging, HiReSPECT animal SPECT, a gamma probe, and a urea breath test device.
The ‘gamma probe’ is highlighted as a significant technological achievement. This device functions as a surgical assistance system to detect and pinpoint areas of high radionuclide accumulation within the body or tissue. In this procedure, a radiopharmaceutical is administered to the patient, and the gamma probe identifies gamma rays to precisely locate the radioactive substance’s concentration.
Commonly used radionuclides in this process, such as Tc-99m, I-131, and F-18, play a crucial role in nuclear medicine imaging and diagnostics. The company’s gamma probe is versatile, suitable for open, laparoscopic, and thoracoscopic surgeries, and can even be used externally. It is particularly valuable for identifying small lesions with high sensitivity and resolution.
Clinically, the gamma probe is instrumental in breast cancer surgery for identifying the ‘sentinel lymph node.’ After Tc-99m is injected into the patient, the node that absorbs approximately 10% of the injected dose is identified as the primary potential site of cancer spread. Examining this node determines if the cancer has metastasized to other lymph nodes, thereby guiding the extent of surgical intervention. This technology often prevents the need for complete lymph node dissection and its associated complications, leading to more targeted surgical approaches. Beyond breast cancer, the gamma probe finds applications in gynecological cancers, melanoma, skin tumors, head and neck cancers, endocrine tumors, urology, and other areas of nuclear medicine.
The company stated that this technology is globally limited, with only one French company having developed a similar device, making Iran the second holder of this technical knowledge. The device has already been exported to Iraq, and negotiations are underway for market entry into countries like Russia.
The domestic gamma probe is priced at approximately 900 million Iranian Rials and has been installed and operational in 190 healthcare centers across Iran. The company also produces the ‘ProSPECT II’ cardiac SPECT imaging system, considered the third generation of dedicated cardiac SPECT technology. This system features a robust and durable gantry, enhancing longevity and patient comfort. The low height of the patient bed ensures easy access for patients with mobility limitations. The ProSPECT II accommodates patients of all weights and sizes and can be upgraded to a full-body SPECT system by reconfiguring its detectors.
The company’s primary focus remains on developing nuclear medical equipment to international standards and reducing reliance on imports in this sector.
