Natural Resources committee  I believe positron emission technology is by far the best solution for the Canadian public when it comes to diagnosing cancer and other problems. As Mr. Villeneuve just mentioned, we have worked with technetium-based technologies for the last 40 years. So there are 40 years of history on the production of radiopharmaceuticals, in this area.

Natural Resources committee  Two projects are currently underway under TRIUMF. One is a joint project with the Canadian research institutes. It is to manufacture technetium produced by cyclotron. This university project involves TRIUMF, the BC Cancer Agency, Sherbrooke University, an institution in London and the Cross Cancer Institute, in Alberta.

Natural Resources committee  Are you referring to the cyclotron- or photofission-based technetium project?

Natural Resources committee  Recommendations two, three and four of the expert panel have to do with research projects. It is probable that we may be able to produce technetium with this technology. However, marketing it would be another matter. The problem is that marketing would require a type of infrastructure no one in the world currently has.

Natural Resources committee  The expert panel has yet to receive a response from the Department of Natural Resources. We certainly do hope to get one. Honestly, four men have spent an enormous amount of time studying the situation and preparing a very serious and in-depth report, so we are expecting to receive a response.

Natural Resources committee  With respect to the nuclear reactor, I remain convinced that the number one solution for us to have isotopes over the medium and long term remains the construction of a new nuclear reactor. But we mean a multi-purpose nuclear reactor, one that can also be used to do research. The problem with nuclear reactors lies with the operating costs and the cost of the infrastructure itself.

Natural Resources committee  If at least there had been an answer or some energy had been expended, we would probably have solutions or possible avenues to get our spirits up in this time of crisis. And that is not the case at all. At the moment, we are experiencing a crisis because we have no other choice but to experience it.

Natural Resources committee  In my opinion, thallium is not an ideal isotope these days for nuclear medicine. It is however an acceptable alternative. It exposes patients to too much radiation. Exams done using that isotope emit more radiation than any other in nuclear medicine. To give you an example, a regular bone scan exam results in dosimetry of 8 millisieverts, meaning the dose absorbed by the patient.

Natural Resources committee  The beauty of positron technology is that, first of all, it does not depend on nuclear reactors whatsoever. To produce isotopes, we need a cyclotron. Hospitals and universities have one. There is one at the Molecular Imaging Centre in Sherbrooke, one at the Montreal Neurological Institute, one belonging to a private company called Pharmalogic in Montreal.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you. That is an excellent question. There are major challenges. At present, we are being asked to do the impossible with a bare minimum. Among the major challenges, there is the fact that the shortage varies from one day to the next. It is extremely difficult to schedule exams, even within a 24-hour window.

Natural Resources committee  The question is also very relevant. Since the situation began a year ago, hospitals have learned to live with the 30% shortage created by the shutdown of the NRU. Clearly, this has generated increased stress for staff and doctors, because operating hours vary widely. In the past year it was possible to practise very good medicine and to take good care of patients.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, for the invitation. I come here wearing many hats: a doctor specializing in nuclear medicine, a professor teaching residents in training in nuclear medicine and radiology and producer of isotopes. I am also a doctor who takes care of patients. Thank you for the invitation.

Natural Resources committee  Good. My presentation will be quite brief, so as to allow a lot of time for questions. I imagine that you have many. For almost a year now, we have been dealing with the isotope shortage in Sherbrooke and throughout Quebec. Approximately 30% of the shortage is a result of the shutdown of the NRU reactor.