Radiolääkevalmisteiden

Radiolääkevalmisteet, known in English as radiopharmaceuticals, are specialized medical compounds containing radioactive isotopes. These isotopes, often referred to as radionuclides, emit radiation that can be detected by imaging equipment. Radiolääkevalmisteet are primarily used in nuclear medicine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

In diagnostics, radiopharmaceuticals are administered to patients, typically intravenously, orally, or inhaled. They travel to specific organs or tissues within the body. The emitted radiation, usually gamma rays, is then detected by external scanners like gamma cameras or PET scanners. This allows physicians to visualize physiological processes and identify abnormalities, such as tumors, infections, or blood flow issues. Common diagnostic applications include bone scans, cardiac imaging, and brain scans.

Therapeutically, radiopharmaceuticals are designed to deliver a targeted radiation dose to diseased cells, such as cancer cells, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The radioactive isotope decays, releasing radiation that kills the targeted cells. This form of treatment, known as radionuclide therapy or targeted radionuclide therapy, is used for conditions like thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and certain types of lymphoma. The choice of radiopharmaceutical depends on the specific disease, its location, and the desired therapeutic effect. Proper handling and administration are crucial due to the radioactive nature of these substances.