radiopharmaceutikum
Radiopharmaceutikum is a term used to describe a pharmaceutical preparation that contains a radionuclide. These substances are primarily employed in nuclear medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In diagnostic imaging, radiopharmaceuticals are administered to patients, and their distribution and concentration within the body are tracked using specialized imaging devices such as gamma cameras or PET scanners. The emitted radiation reveals physiological processes and can help detect diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. For therapeutic applications, radiopharmaceuticals are designed to deliver a targeted radiation dose to specific tissues or cells, such as cancerous tumors, to destroy them while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The choice of radionuclide and the chemical form of the radiopharmaceutical are critical for its efficacy and safety. They are typically administered intravenously, orally, or by inhalation, depending on the intended application. The development and production of radiopharmaceuticals require strict quality control measures and specialized facilities due to the radioactive nature of the components.