The McMaster University Cyclotron Facility is home to a 16.5 MeV GE PETtrace negative ion cyclotron designed for the production of short-lived positron-emitting isotopes such as Fluorine-18.  It is also home to a suite of hot cells and a clean room facility dedicated to the production and quality assurance of sterile, clinical-grade radiopharmaceuticals.

The Center for Probe Development and Commercialization currently oversees the operation of the cyclotron. At the present time, the cyclotron is primarily used for the production of fluorine-18 which is then incorporated into the radiopharmaceutical [F-18]-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) using automated synthesis protocols.

[F-18]-FDG is used in the clinic for imaging various disease states by Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Cyclotron-produced F-18 is also utilized for research purposes, particularly the development of novel molecular imaging agents.

For more information, please get in touch with the CPDC.