NATO Advanced Research Workshop on "Californium-252: Isotope for 21st Century Radiotherapy" 24-27 April, 1996 in Detroit, USA

A radiological isotope developed independently in the former Soviet Union and the United States is the subject of a NATO Advanced Research Workshop which will take place 24-27 April in Detroit, USA. The isotope, Californium-252, which was first identified in the debris from thermonuclear test explosions, has important applications in the treatment of tumours.

Until now, gamma emitting radionucleides were the basis of modern radiation oncology: today, most tumours are treated using gamma ray therapy. However, gamma rays are ineffective in destroying some tumours, and therefore the possibilities of particle therapy are now being investigated. Californium-252 is a neutron emitter that, if placed inside or next to the tumour, will destroy tumours which are resistant to gamma rays.

Because of the very high neutron fluxes required, only the defence-oriented facilities at Oak Ridge, USA, and Dmitrovgrad, Russia, are capable of producing useful amounts of Californium-252. The physics, radiobiology and clinical applications of Californium were thus developed independently in both countries during a period when collaboration and information exchange was difficult. East and West have had different experiences with Californium because of differing sources and equipment (radiation detectors, computerised imaging, etc.). The new political situation now makes scientific collaboration possible at all levels and opens opportunities of unifying research efforts and increasing communication between the scientists and physicians on all sides in this novel and important field of radiation oncology.

Foremost authorities in the field will participate as key lecturers. They include experts from institutions such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory (USA), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), the Russian Cancer Research Centre, Moscow (Russia), the Czech Oncology Centre (Czech Republic), Harvard Medical School (USA), the Oncology Research Institute, Obinks (Russia) and the Lithuanian Oncology Centre (Lithuania).

The Co-directors are: Dr. J.G. Wierzbicki, Harper Hospital, Detroit (USA) and Dr. E. Janulonis, Lithuanian Oncology Centre, Vilnius (Lithuania).

For further information please contact Dr. J.A. Rausell-Colom, Director, Programme on High Technology, Division of Scientific and Environmental Affairs, NATO, Brussels (Fax: Int'l-32-2-707-4232).