The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute has chosen its preferred location for a cyclotron.
The search for the cyclotron's location was originally narrowed down to three locations, two on hospital property and one on Munro Street near ICR Discoveries. Regional Research Institute CEO Michael Power said there were benefits to all locations but after weighing all the options, the preferred site is on the hospital property in the cancer care centre near the radiation bunkers.
Power said once up and running, the cyclotron will benefit cancer patients in the city and across the Northwest. The isotopes are injected into patients before a gamma camera is used to detect where tumours are located. Cyclotron and Radiopharmacy manager Mike Campbell said the equipment will make detection and treatment in Thunder Bay easier and cheaper.
If all goes according to plan, construction could begin as early as this fall.
