Radiofarmaceuticals

Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive drugs used for both diagnosis and therapy. They consist of a radioactive atom, called a radionuclide, attached to a biologically active molecule. The choice of radionuclide and molecule depends on the intended medical application. In diagnostic imaging, radiopharmaceuticals are administered to patients, and their distribution within the body is tracked using specialized cameras like PET or SPECT scanners. The emitted radiation reveals metabolic activity or physiological processes, helping to identify diseases like cancer or heart conditions. For therapeutic purposes, radiopharmaceuticals deliver a targeted dose of radiation to specific cells or tissues, often to destroy cancer cells. The radionuclide decays, emitting particles or rays that damage or kill nearby cells. Production of radiopharmaceuticals requires specialized facilities and strict quality control due to the short half-lives of many radionuclides and the need for sterility and purity. Their use has revolutionized nuclear medicine, offering non-invasive ways to visualize internal organs and treat a variety of diseases.