Cutting-Edge Cyclotron Unveiled at East Yorkshire Hospital to Boost Cancer Detection and Treatment

A groundbreaking cyclotron designed to enhance cancer detection and treatment will be officially introduced at Castle Hill Hospital in East Yorkshire on Friday. This advanced technology, housed in the new £9 million Molecular Imaging Research Centre, produces particles or radiotracers crucial for detecting cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as heart and liver conditions.

Prof. Nick Stafford, the founder of the Daisy Appeal which funded the state-of-the-art centre, highlighted that it is the only one of its kind in the north of England. “This facility enables early diagnosis for a variety of conditions that many other centres cannot provide,” Stafford said. “It represents a significant advancement in medical technology for Hull, ensuring that patients no longer need to travel to London for similar services.”

Currently, similar technology is available only in medical facilities across London, Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. The cyclotron, which cost over £1 million, was delivered to the East Yorkshire site in 2022 but faced delays due to the pandemic.

Stafford emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that the new technology will allow for precise disease localization and potentially improve treatment outcomes. “There is clear evidence that early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment,” he added.

Following the official unveiling, the centre will commence testing, commissioning, and licensing processes, with the production of radiotracers anticipated to begin in early 2025.