Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Oncology is a subspecialty of oncology that involves the use of small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and treat cancer. This type of imaging and therapy allows physicians to see inside the body and target cancer cells with precision.

Imaging:

One of the most common applications of nuclear medicine in oncology is imaging. Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive material, called a tracer, to create detailed images of the inside of the body. These images can help to identify cancer and determine the extent of the disease. Examples of nuclear medicine imaging in oncology include: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).

Therapy:

Nuclear medicine oncology also includes therapy, which uses small amounts of radioactive material to target and destroy cancer cells. This type of therapy is called radionuclide therapy. Radionuclide therapy can be used to treat various types of cancer, including thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumours, and certain types of lymphoma.

Radionuclide therapy:

Radionuclide therapy is a type of therapy that uses small amounts of radioactive material to target and destroy cancer cells. The therapy is delivered directly to the cancer cells via a vein or orally. The radioactive material travels through the body and delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer cells while minimising the exposure of the surrounding healthy tissue.

Targeted Radionuclide Therapy:

Targeted radionuclide therapy is a form of radionuclide therapy that uses a combination of a small amount of radioactive material and a targeting agent that specifically attaches to the cancer cells. This approach allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the cancer cells while minimising the exposure of healthy tissue.

Side effects:

Like any medical procedure, nuclear medicine oncology has the potential for side effects. The most common side effects of nuclear medicine oncology are mild and temporary. These can include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. However, the side effects of nuclear medicine oncology are generally less severe than those associated with other types of cancer treatment, such as surgery and chemotherapy.

Overall, nuclear medicine oncology is a specialised field that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and treat cancer. The Nuclear medicine imaging and therapy at SGH allows physicians to see inside the body and target cancer cells with precision, which can lead to better outcomes for patients. It is a relatively safe and non-invasive option for cancer treatment that can be used alongside other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Book an appointment now!