Innovative ideas and technologies from physics have contributed to great advances in the field of medicine over the last 100 years, since the advent of radiation-based medical diagnosis and treatment and following the discovery of X-rays and radioactivity.

CERN-MEDICIS (Medical Isotopes Collected from ISOLDE) is an initiative that focuses on leveraging CERN's cutting-edge technologies for medical applications, including cancer treatment.

MEDICIS aims to develop and improve medical isotope production for cancer treatment and other medical uses by utilising technologies originally developed for high-energy physics research – particle accelerators and ion beams. These isotopes are essential for precision medicine, allowing better targeting cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

MEDICIS combines CERN’s expertise in particle acceleration with advances in radiopharmacy, providing a sustainable and reliable supply of isotopes for medical institutions. The project contributes to the development of new therapies for cancer, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.

In essence, CERN-MEDICIS bridges the gap between fundamental physics and practical medical applications, helping to bring innovative cancer therapies to patients.

The video above explains the process for producing Actinium 225. Increasing this supply would increase the possibility of treating more cancer patients through Alpha Therapy.

Donating to the CERN & Society Foundation is one way to support the MEDICIS project. This year, the project is also featured in our end of year campaign – Make It Matter. Read more about the campaign here.