The ANVS has granted Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam an expansion of its existing licence. This expansion will allow the hospital, which is located at Dr. Molewaterplein 40 in Rotterdam, to undertake scientific research on cancer using a new type of generator that incorporates radioactive materials. The licence specifies the safety requirements that the hospital must meet. Interested parties have the right to appeal against this licensing decision until midnight on 22 October 2025.
Specialised hospital
Erasmus MC is a university hospital encompassing all major healthcare disciplines. The hospital also undertakes medical research.
Scientific research into new cancer treatment
Erasmus MC wants to carry out research into a new cancer treatment that involves the use of radioactive materials. This requires a new type of generator. The hospital is already licensed to operate a molybdenum/technetium generator (and other radiological devices). The new device is a radium/lead generator. A very small quantity of the mildly radioactive gas radon (in Dutch) will also be emitted and vented to the outside air.
Expansion of existing licence
Erasmus MC requires a licence from us to operate the new radium/lead generator and to discharge radon via external ventilation. The hospital already holds a licence to perform medical procedures that involve ionising radiation, such as X-ray and CT imaging, and is also licensed to use radioactive materials. The new licence therefore represents an expansion of the current authorisation.
No risk to people or the environment
Erasmus MC has demonstrated operational safety in its use of the new generator, with airborne radon concentrations remaining within regulatory limits. The hospital has also demonstrated that its personnel handle the radioactive materials required for this research in a manner consistent with regulatory safety standards. We have granted the expansion to the existing licence on these grounds.
Appeals possible until midnight on 22 October 2025
If you are an interested party and you are directly affected by our decision to grant this licence, you have the right to appeal (in Dutch) against the licensing decision (in Dutch) until midnight on 22 October 2025. You may also lodge an appeal if you cannot reasonably be held accountable for having failed to submit a statement of view earlier. This was possible until 27 August 2025. We did not receive any such statements of view.
For more information
See the official announcement (in Dutch) in the Government Gazette.