Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medicine in which the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, especially cancer, is carried out using radioactive substances. This field draws attention with advanced technological devices and smart drug applications, standing out with targeted treatments.

Advanced Diagnostic Services

Biruni University Hospital Nuclear Medicine Department offers advanced diagnostic services using state-of-the-art devices such as PET CT and SPECT CT. Additionally, pinpoint treatments of diseases are performed using methods such as Lutetium-177 and atom therapy.

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is a specialised medical imaging field that utilises radioactive substances for diagnosing and treating diseases. While traditional imaging techniques focus on organ structures, nuclear medicine provides functional information at the molecular level, making it indispensable in modern healthcare.

The diagnostic process begins with administering a low dose of radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) to the patient either orally or intravenously. This substance accumulates in target organs or tissues, emitting radioactive rays detected by specialised devices such as gamma cameras or PET CT. This enables early detection of abnormalities undetectable by other methods.

Diseases Treated by Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is widely used across many medical disciplines. Key fields include:

Cardiology

• Coronary Artery Disease: Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle, aiding in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
• Heart Failure and Viability Studies: Cardiac PET scans assess tissue viability post-heart attack and guide treatment plans.

Oncology

• Cancer Detection and Staging: PET CT is effective in detecting cancer cells, staging cancer, and monitoring treatment response.
• Targeted Cancer Therapy: Radioisotope therapies target cancerous cells, preserving surrounding healthy tissues.

Neurology

• Alzheimer's Disease: Detects metabolic abnormalities before symptoms appear.
• Epilepsy and Brain Tumours: Identifies affected areas for treatment planning.

Orthopaedics

• Bone Metastases and Infections: Bone scans are sensitive for detecting infections, fractures, and metastatic cancers in bones.

Diagnostic and Treatment Methods

Diagnosis Methods

• PET CT: Combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) to detect cancer, assess heart function, and investigate brain diseases.
• SPECT CT: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography diagnoses conditions such as heart scintigraphy, bone scintigraphy, and kidney scintigraphy.

Treatment Methods

• Lutetium-177 PSMA Treatment: Used for prostate cancer, this therapy binds radioactive isotopes to cancer cells to inhibit growth.
• Radioactive Iodine Therapy (Atom Therapy): Treats thyroid disorders like thyroid cancer and Graves' disease by targeting diseased cells with the I-131 isotope.
• TARE Therapy: Treats liver cancer by selectively destroying tumour cells with Y-90 isotope-loaded microscopic spheres.

Advantages of Nuclear Medicine

• Early Diagnosis: Detects diseases before structural abnormalities or symptoms appear.
• Non-Invasive Procedures: Involves minimal discomfort with a single injection or radiopharmaceutical intake.
• Precision: Provides detailed information about disease location and prevalence.
• Personalised Treatment: Targets specific cells or tissues, minimising side effects and improving outcomes.
• Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: Assesses treatment effectiveness, enabling timely adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nuclear Medicine Treatments Safe?

Yes, the radioactive materials used are in low doses comparable to standard X-rays. Radiopharmaceuticals are selected to minimise exposure to healthy tissues and procedures are performed by specialised professionals.

Should PET CT be Performed Before Radiotherapy?

Yes, PET CT is often requested by oncology specialists to evaluate the tumour's density and define the irradiation area clearly.

Does Radioactive Material Cause Health Problems?

No, the radioactive substances used are in low doses effective for imaging and treatment without causing adverse health effects.

Does Atom Therapy Cause Infertility?

Permanent infertility is not expected. However, a 6-month protection period is recommended after the procedure to prevent radiation exposure to reproductive cells or the foetus.

Do Nuclear Medicine Treatments Cause Hair Loss?

No, nuclear medicine treatments are targeted and do not cause hair loss.

To learn more about the diagnosis and treatment methods applied in our Nuclear Medicine unit or to make an appointment, contact our experienced specialists by calling +90 212 444 8 276