Radiopharmaseuttiset

Radiopharmaseuttiset, also known as radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers, are radioactive drugs used in nuclear medicine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. They consist of a radioactive isotope (radionuclide) attached to a biologically active molecule. This molecule targets specific organs, tissues, or cells in the body. When administered, the radiopharmaceutical accumulates in these target areas, and the emitted radiation is detected by special imaging equipment, such as gamma cameras or PET scanners. This allows for visualization and assessment of physiological processes and disease states.

Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals are used to create images that help detect and monitor diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. The choice of radiopharmaceutical depends on the organ or process being investigated. For example, Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is a widely used radionuclide for various diagnostic imaging procedures due to its short half-life and appropriate gamma ray emission.

Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, on the other hand, deliver a higher dose of radiation directly to diseased cells, often to treat cancer. These drugs are designed to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Iodine-131 (I-131) used in thyroid cancer treatment is a common example. The development and use of radiopharmaceuticals require specialized knowledge in chemistry, physics, biology, and medicine, and they are handled under strict safety protocols due to their radioactive nature.