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Targeted radioisotopes (nuclear medicine) 

What are targeted radioisotopes?  

Targeted radioisotopes are an advanced nuclear medicine technique that uses radioactive substances to diagnose and treat various diseases, especially cancer. These compounds, known as radiopharmaceuticals, are administered to the patient and travel through the body to reach specific tissues, where they release radiation to destroy tumor cells or generate detailed images of organs and internal structures. 

What is the purpose of this procedure? 

Targeted radioisotopes are primarily used in: 

  • Diagnostic imaging: to detect abnormalities in organs and tissues using techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). 
  • Cancer treatment: they are used to destroy tumor cells in cancers such as thyroid, prostate, neuroendocrine tumors, and lymphomas. 
  • Functional assessment: they are used to analyze the functioning of organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain. 
  • Personalized therapy: they help adapt the treatment according to the specific characteristics of the tumor and the patient. 

Benefits of advanced technology in targeted radioisotopes 

Radioisotopes are radioactive atoms that emit controlled radiation. When combined with specific molecules, they form radiopharmaceuticals that selectively target affected tissues or organs. In the case of diagnosis, radioisotopes generate detailed images using gamma cameras or PET. For treatment, radioisotopes release radiation directly into tumor cells, destroying them without significantly damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. 

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What does the procedure involve?

The procedure with targeted radioisotopes involves: 

  • Preparation:

    Before treatment, your doctor will review your medical history and the results of previous tests, such as biopsies, genetic studies, and molecular analyses. They may also order some additional tests to confirm whether radioisotope therapy is right for you. In some cases, you will be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure. 
  • During the procedure:

    The radiopharmaceutical will be administered to you intravenously, orally, or by inhalation, depending on the type of study or treatment you will receive. If the procedure is diagnostic, gamma cameras or PET will be used to record how the radiopharmaceutical is distributed in your body. If it is therapy, the substance will release radiation directly into the tumor cells. The duration of the procedure can vary, but it generally ranges from about 30 minutes to several hours. 
  • After the procedure:

    After the procedure, you will be able to resume your normal activities, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Throughout the treatment, you will have regular check-ups to assess the response and detect any possible side effects. The results will be reviewed with your doctor, who will adjust the treatment plan if necessary. 

Recommendations for the procedure 

  • Avoid close contact: in some cases, it is necessary to limit physical contact with other people for a period of time to reduce exposure to residual radiation. 
  • Stay well hydrated: drink plenty of water after the procedure to help your body eliminate the radiopharmaceutical. 
  • Follow medical instructions: you must also follow all instructions carefully before, during and after the treatment to guarantee your well-being and the efficacy of the procedure. 

Are there any risks?  

The use of targeted radioisotopes is a safe and effective option, although, like any treatment, it can cause some radiation-related side effects: 

  • Mild discomfort: you may experience nausea, fatigue, or some discomfort in the area where the radiopharmaceutical was administered. 
  • Local inflammation: in some cases, inflammation may occur in the treated tissues. 
  • Exposure to radiation: although the doses are carefully controlled, it is essential that you follow all the medical team’s instructions to reduce any risk. 

To ensure your procedure runs smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation. 

Before the procedure, we will give you the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign. 

If your appointment is for an MRI, it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental prostheses), tattoos, or drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps. 

These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is still the unlikely possibility of an incident. 

Do you need to undergo this procedure?

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