New High-Capacity Cyclotron System Announced

A new compact high-capacity cyclotron system has been launched at the annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI 2016) in San Diego, CA, USA.

Cyclotrons are used for the production of radionuclides for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging procedures. The new cyclotron has an increased production capacity, and is more compact than previous models, with a footprint of less than 100 square meters. The system was designed for high-performance and reliability, and has a self-shielding option.


The Cyclone KIUBE 18MeV cyclotron was developed by Ion Beam Applications (IBA; Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium), the world’s largest proton therapy and radiopharmacy solutions provider.

The production capacity of the new Cyclone KIUBE can be increased in steps to 20 curie of 18F in a two hour run. The first Cyclone KIUBE system is being installed at the University Hospital of Brussels (UZ Brussel; Brussels, Belgium).

Bruno Scutnaire, president of IBA RadioPharma Solutions, said, “It has been demonstrated that 18 MeV is the optimal particle energy for the highest production of most of PET radioisotopes. The Cyclone KIUBE is producing the widest range of PET radioisotopes and covers all the needs of PET radiopharmacies, including 68Ga liquid (IBA process patented) and also made for production of SPECT 99mTc”.

Related Links:
Ion Beam Applications
University Hospital of Brussels