What are Radioactive Substances?
Radioactive substances are materials that emit radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. Commonly known radioactive elements include uranium, radium, and polonium. These substances are utilized in various applications, including medicine, industry, and energy production.
How Are Radioactive Substances Used in Cancer Treatment?
Radioactive substances play a crucial role in cancer treatment, primarily through a method known as
radiation therapy. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells. It can be delivered externally via a machine (external beam radiation) or internally by placing radioactive material inside the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy).
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation damages the DNA inside the cells, making it difficult for them to grow and divide. Over time, the damaged cells die off, and the body naturally eliminates them.
Targeted Therapy: Radioactive treatments can precisely target cancer cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Effectiveness: Radiation therapy is highly effective in shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells, particularly in localized cancers.
Pain Management: Radiation can also help reduce pain and other symptoms associated with cancer.
Radiation Exposure: Potential harm to healthy cells and tissues surrounding the cancerous area.
Side Effects: Fatigue, skin irritation, and other side effects depending on the area treated.
Long-Term Risks: Potential for secondary cancers and other health issues after treatment.
Precise Planning: Detailed imaging and planning to target the radiation precisely.
Shielding: Use of lead shields and other barriers to protect surrounding tissues.
Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of radiation doses to ensure they stay within safe limits.
What is the Role of Radiopharmaceuticals in Cancer Treatment?
Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive drugs used in both diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They can be administered orally, intravenously, or placed in a body cavity. For example, radioactive iodine is used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer. These drugs deliver targeted radiation, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Proton Therapy: Uses protons instead of X-rays for more precise targeting of tumors.
Radionuclide Therapy: Newer forms of systemic radiation that target cancer cells more effectively.
Imaging Techniques: Improved imaging technologies for better treatment planning and monitoring.
