Nuclear Medicine Therapies

21.03.2024

NUCLEAR MEDICINE TREATMENTS IN CANCER

Nuclear medicine treatments are effective methods used in the treatment of serious diseases, especially cancer. These treatments are based on radioactive substances targeting and destroying diseased cells. For example, radioactive iodine therapy is frequently used in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Here, radioactive iodine is directed to thyroid cells and destroys these cells while causing minimal damage to healthy tissues. Nuclear medicine treatments can also be combined with imaging techniques, allowing a more detailed examination of the spread of the disease. Methods such as PET scanning show where cancer cells are active in the body and thus help make treatment more targeted. The success of nuclear medicine treatments may vary depending on accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and the patient's general health condition. These treatments offer an important alternative for diseases that cannot be treated with traditional methods or for diseases that are in more advanced stages

Nuclear medicine treatments used in cancer treatment aim to target cancer cells and destroy them or prevent their growth.

These treatments are given item by item below.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI): It is especially used in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine targets cancerous thyroid cells and destroys them.

Radyoimmünoterapi: This method directs radioactive substances to cancer cells by binding them to antibodies. Antibodies bind specifically to cancer cells and the radioactive substance destroys these cells.

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT):It is especially used in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. In this method, radioactive substances target these cells by binding to specific peptide receptors on tumor cells.

Radionuclide Pain Therapy: It is used to reduce bone pain in patients with metastatic bone cancer. Radioactive substances are directed to painful bone areas, relieving pain and reducing the activity of cancer cells.

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT):It is used in liver cancer and metastasis. Microscopic radioactive beads are injected into the blood vessels of the liver and emit radiation to cancerous cells.

Radiopharmaceutical Treatments: Radioactive drugs developed for certain types of cancer target cancer cells, destroying them or preventing their growth.

These treatments are customized based on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health and are often used in conjunction with other cancer treatment methods (surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.). Each treatment method has its own advantages, risks and side effects, so the choice of treatment depends on the patient's condition and his doctor's recommendations.

Image 1: Nuclear diagnostic methods such as PET play an important role in cancer diagnosis processes by using tumor-specific substances.

IN WHICH CANCERS IS IT USED?

Nuclear medicine treatments are used to treat various types of cancer. These treatments are customized based on the type of cancer and the patient's condition.

Thyroid Cancer:Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI) is the most commonly used method. Since it is specific to thyroid cells, RAI offers an effective and targeted treatment.

Prostate cancer:Radionuclide treatments are used especially in advanced stage and metastatic prostate cancer. Radioactive substances are used against cancer cells.

Liver Cancer:Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) specifically targets cancer foci in the liver. In addition to liver cancer, it can also be applied to other types of cancer that metastasize to the liver.

Neuroendocrine Tumors: Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) is effective in treating these tumors. It targets specific receptors found on neuroendocrine tumor cells.

Bone Metastases: Radionuclide pain therapy is used to reduce bone pain in metastatic bone cancer. It is effective in many types of cancer with bone metastases, especially prostate and breast cancer.

Lymphoma: Radioimmunotherapy is used especially in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The combination of antibodies and radioactive substances provides a targeted treatment.

In these types of cancer, nuclear medicine treatments are generally used together with other treatment methods (surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy) or as an alternative when these methods are insufficient. The treatment plan is customized based on each patient's specific situation and the stage of the cancer. The potential benefits, risks, and side effects of each treatment option should be explained to the patient by the doctor.

Image 2: Thanks to nuclear diagnostic methods, the viability of masses / tumors in the body can be determined.

SIDE EFFECTS

Nuclear medicine treatments used in cancer treatment, although effective, may cause various side effects. These treatments often use radioactive substances, and the most common side effects include fatigue, gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), skin redness or tenderness, and changes in blood cells (anemia, low leukocyte or platelet counts). These side effects may increase the risk of infection and increase bleeding tendency. Long-term effects may also occur, such as temporary or permanent damage to the organs where radiation is applied, effects on the reproductive system, and in rare cases, the risk of secondary cancer. Treatments performed in areas close to the reproductive organs may cause permanent effects on reproductive ability. Psychological effects such as anxiety, depression and stress can also affect patients during the difficult process of cancer treatment. Management of these side effects is vital to maintain patients' overall health and quality of life, so close collaboration with doctors is recommended throughout the treatment process.