The last cyclotron in the W&N Building ceased operations in July 2024. This represents a milestone in the demolition of the W&N Building. The cyclotron can now be shut down and removed later in the year.
The production of all medical isotopes and scientific research have already been taken over by the Amsterdam UMC Imaging Center. The demolition of the wing in which the cyclotrons are located is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2025, minimising any disruption for students and staff on campus.
The bunker below the W&N Building used to house four cyclotrons, including one Philips cyclotron owned by VU Amsterdam that was mainly used for fundamental research in the 1960s and later for the production of medical isotopes. This cyclotron was decommissioned in 2012. In addition, there are three IBA cyclotrons which are owned by BV Cyclotron (founded in 1987). This company is specialised in the production of radiopharmaceuticals and radiochemicals for medical imaging techniques, such as PET and CT scans. (link naar artikel)
Reuse of old cyclotrons
One cyclotron was removed from the W&N Building last January. Following an upgrade, this cyclotron will continue its service in Eastern Europe, where it will be used for scientific research or the small-scale production of medical isotopes. The other IBAs will be repurposed in the same manner at the end of the summer or in the autumn of this year.
Production continuity
To enable BV Cyclotron VU (BVC) to continue its operations, new modern cyclotrons were first commissioned at the Amsterdam UMC Imaging Center. Meticulous planning ensured a smooth transfer, preventing any shortage of the main isotopes. BVC is a leading manufacturer of medical isotopes in the Netherlands. Serving nearly half of the market, it provides hospitals and other institutions with medical radio diagnostics and has a current production output of over 80,000 patient doses per year.
Example
This is the first time that an operation of this nature, involving the dismantling and reuse of cyclotrons as well as other building waste, has taken place in the Netherlands. The uniqueness of the operation has therefore captured the interest of everyone in the nuclear (medical) field. This has prompted us to organise a conference later this year at VU Amsterdam at which we will share our experiences with professionals across the field.