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Spring/Summer 2010 Beamtime Volume 8 Issue 1 News from ’s National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear

Nuclear Medicine at TRIUMF

Cover Story: 3 Nuclear Medicine

Feature Story: 4 PET - UBC/TRIUMF

Profile: 5 Paul Schaffer

In The 6-7 News 2 Beamtime Director’s Voice

TRIUMF and the Nuclear Medicine Renaissance

This issue of “Beamtime” highlights Nuclear Medicine at PET is highly sensitive and is used to stage cancer; more and TRIUMF, a modern branch of medicine that impacts tens of more it is the technique of choice to find metastasis. In BC, a millions of lives around the world every year. Nuclear medicine PET scan must be used for lung-cancer patients because that is a broadly growing field that uses the radioactive decay of a cancer readily spreads to other parts of the body. variety of , often combined with radiopharmaceuticals, Combine this story — a growing field of nuclear medicine to either image or treat disease. Canada is a world leader in asking for more and different isotopes (all produced by nuclear medicine — the research at TRIUMF and its partner accelerators, by the way) — with a group of physicists, chemists, institutions across the country is one of the reasons for that. engineers, and Canadian businesses all wanting to innovate Why is the field of nuclear medical growing? The answer a new alternative to reactor-produced isotopes, and you in short is because of two reasons…. one is that a new imaging have the present situation…. Canada, ready to take the lead technique, Emission Tomography, or PET scanning, by innovation in a global field of economic and medical has gained increased popularity in the medical community, importance. and the other is the increased availability of new and powerful medical isotopes.,, Due to the large number of isotopes labelled

Canada, ready to take the lead by innovation ,, by the research community, the PET scanner is the fastest growing “camera” technique in nuclear medicine PET is being used as an imaging technique to understand and predict the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, and related side effects such as addiction. Recent breakthroughs in these areas are very promising and have been reported broadly in the international press. The cancer-related, research-arena PET isotopes are able to analyze the details of a given tumour and hence begin to guide therapy. Beamtime 3 Cover Story

The Present and Future of Nuclear Medicine TRIUMF’s New Division building on World-Class Status

The mission of TRIUMF’s Nuclear Our New Research Medicine Division is to perform research Program studies new and development for the production radiotracers and new of radioisotopes, radiochemicals and technologies for more radiopharmaceuticals (radiotracers). TRIUMF reliable and efficient is involved in many facets of nuclear medicine radiosynthesis, emerging research, the primary effort is the design into an effort focused of positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals on large molecular- (PERs) for imaging various biological targets, weight radiotracers and with new programs driving with fundamental their potential use in research and development efforts; and core neurodegenerative imaging Example of how radiopharmaceuticals produced at TRIUMF are used programs geared toward producing almost two — two previously incongruent to probe the dopamine system dozen PERs routinely for our collaborators. topics. Exciting new technology Our Core Program, founded on a allows researchers to use proteins The recent shutdown of two high-capacity long-standing relationship with the Pacific and peptides to image brain disease; reactors has temporarily eliminated 80% Parkinson’s Research Centre (PPRC), consequently we have initiated an early-stage of the world’s 99Mo supply, highlighting a produces Carbon-11 and Fluorine-18 based collaboration with General Electric’s (GE) critical vulnerability in the world’s medical tracers for pre-clinical research into disorders Global Research Center. GE has expressed an supply chain. TRIUMF is developing associated with the dopamine transport interest in a collaboration to develop a novel alternative processes through either the system, like Parkinson’s disease. This program molecular imaging agent for oxidative stress. 100Mo(γ,n)99Mo or the 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc has yielded many exciting results, including We also have applied for a Collaborative reactions to help avoid future isotope the first clinical demonstration of the placebo Health Research Project grant with SFU, shortages. affect (Science 2001, 293, 1164-1166), and UBC , UBC Brain Research TRIUMF continues to actively seek will benefit from a WED Canada award to Centre and the BCCA to demonstrate the R&D collaborations with other external upgrade our lab. use of microfluidics to synthesize peptidic research partners, which should benefit For several years the Core Program radiotracers to help elucidate the role of from membership in the BC Preclinical also has delivered [18F]FDG to the British microglial overactivation in neurotoxic Research Consortium. This entity has been Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) leading to response in neurodegenerative disease. commissioned to coordinate preclinical over 11,000 (and counting) clinical imaging TRIUMF is leveraging its expertise in research between facilities in British studies. Soon the BCCA will produce their , targetry and radiochemistry to Columbia. TRIUMF is looking to continue its own [18F]FDG with an in-house , lead a national effort addressing the medical cutting-edge research into molecular imaging nonetheless our exciting research partnership isotope shortage. 99mTc, used in over 85% of enabled by positron emission tomography. will continue. Together, TRIUMF, the PPRC, nuclear medicine scans today, is produced With a facility upgrade underway, TRIUMF and the BCCA are gaining more insight into in only a few nuclear reactors worldwide hopes to attract the best and brightest talent the onset and treatment for diseases such as with enough neutron flux to drive the to western Canada, allowing the Nuclear Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and a 235U(n,F)99Mo fission reaction yielding 99Mo, Medicine program to continue building on its variety of cancers. the parent isotope of 99mTc. world-class status. • Paul Schaffer 4 Beamtime Feature Story

PET at UBC and TRIUMF Neighbours are Key Partners in Global Network

Positron emission tomography (PET) on tracer production and new brain imaging Seattle; Norwegian University of Science provides a quantitative in-vivo assessment protocols, the Ottawa Heart Institute on & Technology, Trondheim, Norway; and of biochemical function through imaging implementing new radiochemistry units and Sagamihara National Hospital, Japan. of radioactively tagged molecules bound to with the University of Wisconsin on tracer Collaborations centered on imaging of specific sites. Used in research, PET requires production techniques. With an NSERC subjects at increased risk of developing PD complex, interdisciplinary infrastructure and a Collaborative Research and Development due to frequent genetic mutations appearing research team that exploits the links between grant we’ve established a research partnership in their families include disease-related biological target identification, with to develop new imaging (imaging of biomarkers) and Aarhus, Denmark target specific radiochemical development platforms based on radiometals. (dopamine and gambling). Subjects are flown and imaging methodology design, plus linking Imaging Physics and modeling. We to our facility from all over the world, since no imaging results to the original biological have advanced: with the University of other centre is currently capable of performing question. Wisconsin, new modeling approaches for the complex multi-tracer studies required to The PET imaging facility at the UBC our tracers; with Johns Hopkins, new image investigate pre-clinical aspects of PD. Hospital, with its radiotracer production reconstruction techniques and correction for Animal models. Our program includes and chemistry partner at TRIUMF, has a subject head motion; with the University of animal modeling research with UBC 25+ year long history in functional brain California (Irvine), correction algorithms for (gambling rat model, multi-modality imaging), imaging, receiving uninterrupted research transmission data scatter; and with Tuebingen the Mayo Clinic (transgenic rodent models) funding from NSERC, CIHR (MRC), CFI, University in Germany, modeling, image and Aarhus, Denmark (pig models of MSFHR and other agencies since inception. reconstruction and multi-modality imaging stimulation therapies). Its vertical integration of radionuclide and ideas combining PET and MRI. ADNI study. We are part of a large North- radiotracer design and production, expertise PPRC Clinical Imaging Program. Our American study (ADNI) to determine the in imaging instrumentation and algorithms, many world-wide collaborations bring the natural history of Alzheimer’s disease through and ability to perform pre-clinical studies in most appropriate subjects for scanning to neuroimaging. Our centre has been recognized rodents, primates and humans makes the help unravel the mysteries of movement as providing the most reliable HRRT images facility unique. There is active research in disorders (viz. Parkinson’s disease (PD)) to the collaboration. the imaging program working synergistically and their genetic and environmental basis: The long history of applying PET imaging with end users, mainly the Pacific Parkinson’s Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; U. Washington, to study movement disorders, in particular Research Centre (PPRC). The interdisciplinary Parkinson’s disease, is completely unique group (faculty members in both Science and to the PET Imaging group and in Canada, Medicine, with collaborators in Applied and very rare worldwide. We have obtained Science) is renowned for its accurate unmatched data sets from repeated studies in quantitative results and very complex PD subjects over eight years, providing unique imaging protocols. The program’s success is insights into the neurochemistry of disease directly coupled with our local, national and progression. This would not be possible international partners, illustrated below: without careful integration of instrumentation Radiotracer development. With TRIUMF and algorithm development coupled with we have established collaborations with: the careful selection of radiotracers developed in University of Alberta on targetry and tracer conjunction with our research partnerships developments, the University of Montreal UBC’s High Resolution Research Tomograph (PET)Scanner around the world. • Tom Ruth & Vesna Sossi Beamtime 5 Profile

Paul Schaffer Leading the Way to TRIUMF’s Nuclear Medicine Future

The nuclear medicine program at In addition, efforts are underway with novel TRIUMF entails a broad spectrum of tracers that use Co-55 and peptides labelled activity. In addition to the Core Program, with F-18 to compliment or improve on the which supports (pre) clinical research and foundation laid by PiB. Co-55 is an example maintains quality assurance, the New of where TRIUMF’s unique expertise in Jumping into one of the most exciting Programs all support and drive research producing less-common isotopes can pave times for the nuclear medicine program with new isotope production, new tracer the way for the next generation of medical at the lab, deputy head of the nuclear synthesis and skills training. As deputy isotopes for disease diagnosis. medicine division Paul Schaffer has set some head of the nuclear medicine division, Paul The third goal Paul has set for the exciting goals for the TRIUMF team and is most excited about three current efforts division and is enthusiastic about is to continues to demonstrate the adaptability which will propel TRIUMF to lead in the help TRIUMF complete and develop and excellence of the lab. field of nuclear medicine. biomedical tracers for our collaborators,

Paul grew up in Ontario but moved out The first goal on Paul’s list is to upgrade increase efficiency, and ultimately create a to early in his academic career to the existing lab. A $1M grant is in place to molecular toolkit for isotopes production study at UBC where he completed a double upgrade the laboratory facility, which would and tracer synthesis. “The efforts of the major in Chemistry and Biochemistry. add three hot cells, a flow hood and clean entire Nuclear Medicine/Radiochemistry After meeting a lovely young woman who room. This upgrade would increase,, sterility, community over the past 30-50 years have later became his wife, Paul moved back to manufacturing come to fruition,” said Paul, Ontario to complete his PhD in Chemistry control and have “and it’s time to adopt some at McMaster University. He worked as a the capability TRIUMF... a good of these approaches in our researcher for five years at the McMaster to increase collaborations with others.” University Nuclear Reactor and later production. The opportunity and a unique On the spectrum took a position in upstate New York as a joint MHESA challenge between private and radiochemist at General Electric. renovation and academic pursuits, While working in New York, Paul upgrade remainders ,, TRIUMF can be identified received a call from Tom Ruth, senior drive renewed research efforts with MDS as leaning further on the academic side, research scientist who invited Paul to visit Nordion, effectively to attract and retain granting freedom to pursue research ideas. TRIUMF for a seminar—and discuss a world-class talent. “We’re not done yet. There still exists a possible position. From living in Vancouver Paul has also set his eyes on labelling need to discover radioisotope incorporation during his undergrad, Paul was familiar tracers for neurodegenerative diseases. methods that are both more agreeable with with TRIUMF’s good reputation. “Taking “Our longstanding relationship with UBC biological systems and are compatible with the position at TRIUMF looked like a Neurology can continue to grow with some of the emerging isotopes for Nuclear good opportunity and a unique challenge”. discovery efforts into new tracers.” These Medicine.” Combined with support from TRIUMF’s cutting edge nuclear medicine include C-11 labelled PiB, an exciting new the Director, Dr. , and the program caught Paul’s interest and so he, his tracer out of Pittsburgh that is capable of rest of the laboratory, Paul looks to enable wife, and two children made the move back detecting Alzheimer’s Disease in living a skilled and resourceful team in realizing to Vancouver in 2009. patients — something not possible before. their potential. • Melissa Baluk 6 Beamtime In The News

Go Physics! TRIUMF Day Camp

Thirty enthusiastic local students came to TRIUMF May 28th to take part TRIUMF Receives $222 Million Funding from Government of Canada in the Go Physics! day camp put on by Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI). The select grade 11 and 12 students The Government of Canada with a keen interest and strong ability in announced March 4 renewed support both physics and mathematics engaged in for TRIUMF, committing $222 million hands-on labs and “minds-on” challenges over the next five years to support core in thinking like a physicist. They also operations in TRIUMF’s next Five-Year took part in brainstorming sessions while Plan 2010-2015. In an extremely challenging exploring Einsteinian gravity, relativity fiscal environment, TRIUMF has secured and quantum physics. The day camp was a five-year operating budget and avoided presented by Dr. Richard Epp, Manager of explicit cuts, signaling clear confidence in Scientific Outreach at PI who has degrees what TRIUMF can offer Canada. in both engineering and theoretical The federal budget announcement physics, and Julie Taylor, Outreach stated: “In addition to fundamental Coordinator at PI. research in subatomic physics, TRIUMF The Go Physics! program is a one- has gained an international reputation as day version of PI’s International Summer a leader in advanced medical imaging, nuclear medicine, and research in the environmental School for Young Physicists program and material sciences. TRIUMF collaborates with industry partners to commercialize its and has visited educational and research scientific breakthroughs, including its centres across Canada. successful relationship with MDS Nordion”. “Budget 2010 provides $126 million over five years to strengthen the world- leading research taking place at TRIUMF. In combination with $96 million [from] ... the National Research Council Canada, federal support for TRIUMF’s core operations will total $222 million over the next five years.” TRIUMF management has been working diligently to procure other funds for the expansive measures in the Five Year Plan, and announcements can be expected soon. Beamtime 7

Rob Mac Donald wins Calendar 2008-2009 DNP Thesis Prize

Rob MacDonald of the University Sept. 10-18, 2010 INTDS of Alberta is the winner of the 2008- TRIUMF International Nuclear 2009 Division of Nuclear Physics (DNP) http://intds2010.triumf.ca/ Target Development Thesis Prize given in Experimental or LHC Scientific Program Begins Society Conference Theoretical Nuclear Physics to a student Sept. 11-12, 2010 CINP LRP who is obtaining his/her PhD degree Winnipeg from a Canadian University. Rob’s thesis March 30 at 1:06pm local time, Sept. 21-23, 2010 Cryogenic Operations “A Precision Measurement of the CERN’s (LHC) TRIUMF Workshop 2010 Decay Parameters Rho and Delta” was began colliding particle beams at the www.triumf.info/hosted/cryo-ops based on doctoral research performed at highest energies ever reached by a man- Sept. 30, 2010 CNSC Mid-Term TRIUMF with made accelerator. This milestone TRIUMF Hearing for Renewal TWIST, under marks the beginning of the LHC of TRIUMF Operating License the supervision scientific program that researchers of Art Olin. throughout the world have worked Sept. 27-Oct 1, 2010 LAP2010 Rob’s towards for over two decades. Some TRIUMF Laser Probing thesis reported of the loudest cheers were from http://lap2010.triumf.ca/ Workshop intermediate Canadian scientists who helped Oct. 25, 2010 Japan/Canada results for design, build and commission Vancouver Accelerator Science Symposium the TWIST the LHC and the massive ATLAS experiment but experiment, and their nearly 100 Nov. 12, 2010 BOM it was the quality graduate students who await the TRIUMF Board of Management Meeting of his analysis data. that brought TRIUMF worked with attention to universities and companies across his work. The Canada to contribute key elements thesis was not to ATLAS and the Large Hadron only useful for committee members — not Collider accelerator itself. TRIUMF also all of whom were from his field — but also is home to one of the ten supercomputer served as a useful reference document data centres worldwide processing the for the TWIST group as the experiment enormous volumes of data from ATLAS. continued. In fact, the first collisions Rob will receive a cash award of “showed up” in the Canadian $1,000 from the DNP and was invited to computer centre within give a talk at the Winter Nuclear & Particle hours, ready for Canadian Physics Conference this February in Banff. scientists to start analyzing He is presently teaching at the University them. The LHC will now run of Alberta as a sessional instructor and is for the next 18 months and a postdoctoral fellow with the PICASSO the data collected by ATLAS particle astrophysics experiment. will allow scientists to probe the origins of matter to an unprecedented precision, to where physics theories predict new phenomena will lie. Looking Back Forty Years On June 1970: Excavations Complete and the CRM Cyclotron Taking Shape

The year following the official dedication another 12 at UVic, 5 at SFU and and tree-planting ceremony in May 1969 6 at UofA. Among the newcomers saw tangible progress on a variety of fronts. were many TRIUMF stalwarts: The skeletal Office & Laboratory Building Ewart Blackmore, Bill Bryson, Jack was completed over the summer and fully Carey, John Cresswell, Jim Fawley, occupied by November. At the end of the Dave Gurd, Terry Hodges, Nancy year the old cafeteria provided the venue for Palmer, Roger Poirier, Paul Reeve, the first-ever TRIUMF Christmas Party, for Ian Thorson and Milos Zach. which the Outside, the muddy field was tickets cost a transformed in the New Year by modest $2.50 the arrival of heavy earth-moving “including equipment, providing daily Central Region Model magnet and half the vacuum chamber exotic food lunchtime entertainment. Special and liquor”. enjoyment was provided by the Commonwealth Construction were By June 1970 driving of boreholes for the perimeter well- awarded a $2.2 million contract for the the staff point system, which resulted in great fountains concrete substructure, but were then delayed on site had of water shooting into the air. Excavations nearly three months by a strike/lockout in the grown to 43, for the cyclotron and experimental halls were B.C. construction industry. not counting completed in June, by which time 60,000 Back in the Office & Laboratory Building, university cubic metres of glacial till had been removed an accelerator was already taking shape in the people, with to leave a 120m by 30m hole 13m deep. form of the Central Region Model - a 2.5-MeV Several major contracts cyclotron with the same magnetic field and were also let over this rf parameters as the big machine, together period. Davie Shipbuilding with a 300-kV ion source and injection line. in Québec won that for The huge vacuum tank (2m wide and 10m fabrication of the cyclotron long to accommodate two resonator sections), magnet ($1.94 million), for built by EbCo Industries, arrived in April and which Stelco ($0.4 million) was quickly pumped down to the required and Lukens Steel ($0.6 5x10-7 Torr. The resonator panels, also built by million) were to provide EbCo, arrived soon after. the steel plate — overall a Altogether, notable progress was being pleasing 75% Canadian made, both indoors and outside. content. • Mike Craddock Cyclotron and experimental hall excavation

Editor: Marcello Pavan 4004 Wesbrook Mall Production: Dana Giasson Vancouver, BC V6T 2A3 Canada TRIUMF is funded by a contribution through the Beamtime is available online at: National Research Council of Canada. http://www.triumf.ca/home/multimedia/newsletter +1 604 222 1047 telephone Inquiries or comments to: [email protected] +1 604 222 1074 fax The province of provides capital funding for the construction of buildings for the © 2010 TRIUMF Beamtime All Rights Reserved www.triumf.ca TRIUMF Laboratory