Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) co-hosted a workshop on April 30 at the Charles B. Wang Center to explore collaborations on radioisotope research and applications to healthcare.
Both Stony Brook and BNL have been increasing their capabilities and expertise in radiochemistry, nuclear data, isotope production and radiopharmaceutical applications, building on decades of experience in developing isotopes for diagnosing disease and informing treatment options. The field of precision medicine that uses imaging agents in these areas is growing, with the pharmaceutical industry spending billions to develop radiopharmaceuticals focused on treating oncology, neurology and cardiology disorders.
Developing more precise targeting agents selective for diseased tissue and combining them with novel radionuclides that offer enhanced imaging and therapeutic properties is leading to a renaissance in nuclear medicine. This is particularly true in treating disseminated disease, which has few options. The challenge is the lack of sufficient resources, requiring both specialized facilities and expertise.
This is a gap Stony Brook and BNL are looking to address by combining their unique expertise and facilities in isotope production and radiopharmaceutical development. The workshop’s goal was to provide an overview of this work at the two institutions, identify potential areas for collaboration, and review grant funding opportunities to support growth in this area. One focus will be to build a translational core in radiometal-focused radiopharmaceutical development and training to increase opportunities for clinical trials and patient access in the region.
“This was an incredible workshop. It brought together people who understand the inner workings of atoms with those who understand the inner workings of biology and who we are as people,” said Raymond Bergan, director of the Stony Brook Cancer Center. “As such, it melded together unique strengths we have that will allow us to advance science and our ability to care for people with cancer and other diseases.”
Bergan and Cathy Cutler, strategic planning advisor for the BNL isotope program, provided the opening remarks and participated in the workshop, which featured presentations on Stony Brook research, an overview of the Stony Brook cyclotron facility, an introduction to BNL facilities and programs, a session on the Brookhaven generator and isotope production, a panel on capabilities and translation, a discussion on aligning research priorities, and a forum on grant opportunities.
“This one-day workshop convened leaders, researchers, students and postdoctoral scholars from BNL and Stony Brook University to align complementary strengths and shared interests to accelerate progress in medical isotope research,” said Martin Schoonen, BNL interim deputy director for science and technology. “The discussions catalyzed a series of focused follow-on meetings that are already shaping initial collaborations and laying the groundwork for sustained, high-impact joint programs.”
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