China Achieves Commercial Reactor Production of Yttrium-90

Beijing, June 15, 2025 – China has successfully achieved commercial-scale production of Yttrium-90 (Y-90), a crucial radioisotope used in cancer therapy, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s nuclear medicine capabilities. According to the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Y-90 glass microspheres, irradiated within the Hualong One reactor at the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, have been successfully extracted and passed all relevant quality control tests. This milestone signifies that China has mastered the technology for producing Y-90 in commercial reactors, enabling mass production.

Yttrium-90 is a radioactive isotope used in a targeted cancer therapy known as Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), also referred to as radioembolization. In SIRT, Y-90 microspheres are delivered directly to tumors via the bloodstream, emitting radiation that destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This technique has shown promise in treating liver cancer and other malignancies.

The successful production of Y-90 in a commercial nuclear reactor represents a major step forward for China’s nuclear medicine industry. Previously, the production of radioisotopes often relied on specialized research reactors or imports. Utilizing existing commercial power reactors like the Hualong One for Y-90 production offers a more efficient and scalable approach.

This breakthrough has several important implications:

Increased Availability of Y-90: Mass production capabilities will ensure a more stable and readily available supply of Y-90 for domestic hospitals and patients, potentially reducing reliance on imports.
Reduced Costs: Domestic production is expected to lower the cost of Y-90, making SIRT therapy more accessible to a larger patient population.
Technological Advancement: This achievement demonstrates China’s growing expertise in nuclear technology and its ability to leverage commercial nuclear infrastructure for medical applications.
Boost to Nuclear Medicine: The successful production of Y-90 will stimulate further development and innovation in China’s nuclear medicine sector, potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

The Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, where the Y-90 irradiation took place, is a key facility in China’s nuclear power program. The Hualong One reactor, a domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor, represents a significant advancement in China’s nuclear technology. Its successful utilization for Y-90 production further underscores its versatility and potential for contributing to various sectors beyond electricity generation.

Looking ahead, CNNC and other stakeholders are expected to focus on optimizing the Y-90 production process, expanding production capacity, and ensuring the quality and safety of the Y-90 microspheres. This achievement paves the way for China to become a major player in the global market for radioisotopes and to improve the lives of cancer patients through innovative nuclear medicine therapies.

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