Ethical Landscape of Cyclotron Technology in Nuclear Medicine: A Comparative Analysis of National and International Guidelines.

Cyclotron technology plays a pivotal role in nuclear medicine, enabling the production of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostics and therapies. Despite its benefits, its application entails significant ethical challenges, particularly regarding patient safety, environmental protection, and compliance with regulatory standards. This article provides a detailed comparative analysis of the ethical landscape surrounding cyclotron use, highlighting key differences and alignments between Indian and international regulatory frameworks. The article examines ethical issues such as radiation exposure risks to patients, emphasizing safeguards such as as low as reasonably achievable principles and informed consent. It also explores the responsible use of radioactive materials in clinical and research contexts, along with specific measures for mitigating environmental contamination, such as waste management protocols and emission controls. A comprehensive review of India's regulatory frameworks, including the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and the Department of Atomic Energy, is juxtaposed with international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Health Organization. The roles of these regulatory bodies are clarified, focusing on their mandates, overlaps, and potential conflicts in guideline interpretation. The article also underscores the critical role of institutional ethics committees in implementing ethical guidelines, monitoring compliance, and ensuring adherence to both national and international standards. By comparing ethical norms, the analysis identifies gaps in oversight and provides actionable recommendations for harmonizing protocols across jurisdictions. This study emphasizes the need for robust ethical frameworks in cyclotron technology to enhance patient safety, protect the environment, and ensure regulatory compliance. Such integration fosters trust and accountability while advancing nuclear medicine research and clinical applications.