Enhancing Access to Cancer Diagnostics with Drone Delivery of PET Isotopes: The Significance of Weather and Clinical Workflows
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background. Drones may outperform traditional ground transport in medical logistics. While previous studies have focused on short-range deliveries, this study examines long-distance drone transport of 117–376 km for positron emission tomography (PET) ra-dioisotopes delivery. The short half-life of isotopes makes transport time critical. We quantified potential time savings and preservation of fluorine-18 ([¹⁸F]FDG) radioactive activity enabled by long-range drone transport. Methods. Drone speeds of 150, 200, and 250 km/h was compared with four existing transports: two ground-only routes (146 km/348 km) and two combined car–airplane routes (532 km/546 km). Hourly weather da-ta from 2023–2024 were used to model flight times and weather-related no-fly conditions. Time savings, radioactive decay, and break-even costs relative to existing transport were analyzed. Results. 150 km/h provided limited benefit on the longest route, while 200–250 km/h preserved 49–64 GBq from an initial 180 GBq. Up to 30% of winter flights were con-strained by weather. Break-even drone costs ranged from €3/km to €18/km, increasing to €14–€20/km including preserved isotope. Annual economic gains ranged from €1.0–1.7 million. Conclusion. Long-range drone transport can reduce isotope losses and improve diagnostic capacity. Feasibility depends on drone costs, weather resilience, and clinical logistics adaptation.
Source: Drones
Institutions: Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo
Language: English
Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7135205349