iThemba LABS (iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences)
iThemba LABS at Faure in the Cape, is a multi-disciplinary research centre, established in 1977 under the control of the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research). Since 1988, it has been one of the National Research Facilities now administered by the NRF. iThemba LABS provides facilities for basic and applied research using particle beams, particle radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer and the supply of accelerator-produced radioactive isotopes for nuclear medicine and research.
Research in basic sciences
Particle beams from iThemba's large, state-of-the-art separated-sector cyclotron and from a 6MV Van de Graaf generator are used for research and training in biophysics, atomic physics and radiobiology, in addition to the major research field of nuclear physics. iThemba's research facilities have numerous users from around the country, including many postgraduate students. iThemba LABS makes an important contribution to postgraduate training, stimulating interdisciplinary cooperation and attracting young people to science, engineering and technology. At iThemba people working in medical, biological and physical sciences are brought together.
Radiotherapy
The large cyclotron was mainly motivated for and designed to be able to produce both neutrons and protons suitable for cancer therapy. The neutron therapy facility has been operating since 1989 and has treated more than 730 patients. Excellent early results have been obtained for certain types of tumours, such as salivary glands and advanced breast tumours. Proton therapy started in September 1993, making South Africa one of only five countries in the world to offer this kind of treatment. To date, over 100 patients, with otherwise inoperable conditions, have been treated.
Production of radioisotopes
iThemba LABS is the only centre in South Africa which can produce certain important medical isotopes like 67Ga, 81Kr, 111In 123I, 201Tl and their compounds. Some of these are too short-lived to be imported and would thus simply not be available to nuclear medicine if iThemba should stop production. At present, about 30 major hospitals and other institutions, as well as nearly 10 000 patients each year, benefit from these services. iThemba contributes to creating and maintaining a pool of technical knowledge and expertise in a variety of fields such as magnet-, vacuum- and radio-frequency technology, computer science, electronic and mechanical engineering and fabrication techniques.
For further information on iThemba LABS visit: http://www.tlabs.ac.za/
