A Dorset company has launched new technology that looks set to 'revolutionise' cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Astral Systems is the newest company to open on the Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith, owned by Dr Tom Wallace-Smith and Talmon Firestone.

The pair's Multi-State Fusion (MSF) Reactor will aim to help hospitals tackle a growing backlog in cancer diagnosis and treatment caused by the pandemic.

UK hospitals rely on three nuclear power plants in Europe and South Africa for medical isotopes, used to scan for cancer and treat tumours and cancerous cells.

Nuclear plants have a shelf life and many are due to close by 2030, while they can also temporarily shut down for maintenance which can cause delays. 

The MSF reactor will mean that medical isotopes can soon be produced at a much smaller scale and more quickly.

Astral came about after Dr Wallace-Smith, 28, from Poole, invented the MSF Reactor while studying for his PHD and working on placement in Japan. 

After returning to the UK, he was introduced to businessman and scientist Mr Firestone who has a 20-year history in the nuclear, space and defence industries.

Together they formed Astral in 2021 and were awarded a £1 million research grant in partnership with Bristol University.

The company has recently completed a £200,000 research contract with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) to set up a reactor facility at the Dorset Innovation Park. 

Dr Wallace-Smith has designed his own seven-and-a-half tonne radiation proof bunker to allow him to carry out his research. 

Dorset Echo: Dr Tom Wallace-Smith Dr Tom Wallace-Smith (Image: Dorset Council)

He said: “Not only do nuclear power plants take a long time to build but there is also very limited space in which to build them.

"Due to the short shelf-life of medical isotopes, when there’s a shortage it means that within the week cancer treatments are postponed or cancelled.

“The MSF Reactor provides a ‘now’ solution at a much lower cost and with less environmental impact. This is technology that can solve real world problems now.”

Astral is now bidding for another £1.5m grant from the UKAE’s Fusion Industry Programme to carry out more research.

If successful, the pair will look to open a larger site on the Dorset Innovation Park.

“I grew up in Poole and my parents currently live a short distance from the Dorset Innovation Park,” Dr Wallace-Smith added. "I’m very proud to have our company based in Dorset.”

The Dorset Innovation Park is owned by Dorset Council and is home to more than 40 businesses, employing about  1,200 people.

Subject to to planning and funding approval, construction of new units will get underway in the autumn at the site. 

Companies interested in taking up part of the space should contact alex.clothier@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or nicholas.webster@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk