Radiolääkehoito

Radiolääkehoito, also known as radionuclide therapy or medical radioisotope therapy, is a type of internal radiotherapy. It involves the administration of radioactive isotopes, often attached to targeting molecules, to treat diseases, primarily cancer. These radioactive substances, called radiopharmaceuticals, are typically injected, swallowed, or administered intravenously. Once inside the body, they are designed to accumulate in specific tissues or cancer cells. The emitted radiation then damages or destroys these targeted cells, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

The choice of radiopharmaceutical depends on the type of cancer and its location. For instance, radioactive iodine (I-131) is commonly used to treat thyroid cancer, as thyroid cells naturally absorb iodine. Other radiopharmaceuticals target specific receptors found on cancer cells, such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) for neuroendocrine tumors. The radiation dose and treatment duration are carefully calculated to be effective against the disease while managing potential side effects. While generally well-tolerated, common side effects can include fatigue, nausea, and temporary changes in blood counts. Radiolääkehoito is a specialized treatment often performed in nuclear medicine departments by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and physicists. It represents an important option in the management of various cancers and other conditions.