Nuclear Medicine

Turkey has become a beacon of technological innovation, particularly in the medical field. Among its many advanced healthcare offerings, nuclear medicine stands out as a cutting-edge specialty that combines diagnostic precision with targeted treatment. At Biruni Hospital, we proudly offer patients the full potential of nuclear medicine to ensure accurate diagnoses and successful recoveries.

What is nuclear medicine, and how does it work?

Nuclear medicine is a specialized medical discipline that uses small amounts of radioactive materials, called radiopharmaceuticals, to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases. Unlike traditional imaging that focuses on structural details, nuclear medicine highlights organ function and metabolic activity, providing deeper insight into how your body works.

Types of diagnostic procedures in nuclear medicine

• PET/CT scanning
  A hybrid imaging technique primarily used for detecting cancer, assessing cardiac conditions, and evaluating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s. It combines metabolic imaging (PET) with high-resolution structural imaging (CT) for detailed results.
• SPECT/CT scanning
  A functional imaging method particularly valuable for assessing blood flow, heart function, and detecting infections or tumors.
• bone scintigraphy
  A highly sensitive procedure that detects bone-related problems such as fractures, infections, arthritis, and metastatic cancer using radiotracers.
• thyroid scintigraphy
  A targeted imaging study that evaluates thyroid gland function and detects disorders like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid cancer.

Key nuclear medicine procedures

1. PET/CT scanning

A combined imaging test that merges Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) to assess both metabolic processes and anatomical structure with high accuracy.

Used for:
Cancer detection and staging, evaluating heart disease, and diagnosing brain disorders.

Procedure steps:

• Preparation: Fast for 4 to 6 hours before the scan.
• Radiopharmaceutical injection: A glucose-based radiotracer (typically FDG) is administered.
• Scanning: PET and CT scans are performed simultaneously to capture comprehensive images.

2. SPECT/CT scanning

An imaging technique that combines Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) with CT for enhanced functional and anatomical imaging.

Used for:
Evaluating cardiac function, analyzing blood flow, and detecting infections or tumors.

Procedure steps:

• Preparation: Fasting may be required. Inform your doctor about allergies or medications.
• Radiopharmaceutical injection: A gamma-emitting tracer is administered.

• • Scanning: The scanner rotates around your body to collect multi-angle images.

3. Bone scintigraphy

A diagnostic test that detects abnormal bone metabolism using injected radiotracers, highly effective for early detection of bone diseases.

Used for:
Identifying infections, fractures, arthritis, and bone metastases.

Procedure steps:

• Preparation: Inform your doctor about allergies or medications.
• Radiopharmaceutical injection: Usually Technetium-99m is used.
• Scanning: A gamma camera captures images of your bones from several positions.

4. Thyroid scintigraphy

A specialized imaging study that assesses thyroid gland function using radiopharmaceuticals.

Used for:
Diagnosing hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid tumors.

Procedure steps:

• Preparation: Avoid iodine-rich foods and certain medications before the scan.
• Radiopharmaceutical injection: Typically Iodine-123 or Technetium-99m is administered.
• Scanning: A gamma camera captures detailed thyroid images from different angles.

Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is not only about diagnosing diseases; it also plays a vital role in treatment. By using targeted radioactive substances, doctors can deliver therapy directly to diseased tissues while sparing healthy areas. This makes it a powerful option for conditions that are difficult to treat with conventional methods.

Key therapeutic applications include:

• Radioiodine Therapy (I-131): Used mainly for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. The radioactive iodine is absorbed by thyroid cells, destroying abnormal tissue while leaving the rest of the body unaffected.

• Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) Therapy: A modern treatment for neuroendocrine tumors and advanced prostate cancer. It attaches to specific receptors on tumor cells and delivers radiation precisely to the cancer.

• Actinium-225 Therapy: An emerging therapy in targeted alpha treatment (TAT). It emits powerful alpha particles that can destroy resistant cancer cells, offering new hope for patients with advanced cancers.

Advantages of therapeutic nuclear medicine

• Precise targeting of diseased tissues
• Minimal damage to healthy organs
• Effective even in advanced or metastatic cancers
• Can be combined with other therapies for better outcomes

At Biruni Hospital, therapeutic nuclear medicine is carried out by a specialized team using advanced technology to ensure safe, personalized, and effective treatment for every patient.

Preparations before a nuclear medicine procedure

Patient responsibilities

• Fasting: Required for 4 to 6 hours for procedures like PET/CT or SPECT/CT.
• Avoiding exercise: Do not engage in intense physical activity before the scan.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing without metal accessories.

Doctor’s preparations

• Medical history review: Allergies, chronic conditions, and current medications are reviewed.
• Procedure explanation: Your doctor explains each step of the process.
• Medication adjustments: Certain medications may need to be paused or adjusted.

Post-procedure guidelines

Immediately after the scan

• Monitoring: Short observation to ensure no immediate side effects.
• Radiotracer clearance: The radiopharmaceutical leaves the body through urine over hours to days.
• Comfort: Minimal discomfort is common, such as mild nausea or injection site soreness.

Radiotracer elimination and safety

• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the radiotracer.
• Radiation precautions: Avoid close contact with children or pregnant individuals for 24 to 48 hours.

Managing side effects

• Injection site reactions: Mild swelling or redness usually resolves quickly.
• Nausea and headaches: Generally mild and short-lived. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist.

Nuclear medicine in Turkey : advanced imaging at Biruni Hospital

Nuclear medicine is a revolutionary field that has transformed how we diagnose and treat many conditions. From detecting early-stage cancer to evaluating heart and brain function, it provides life-saving insights that traditional methods often miss. At Biruni Hospital, we are proud to lead this medical innovation, offering compassionate care and precision for every patient’s journey to recovery.