The effects of radiopharmaceuticals on a patient They are the reaction generated by their administration. They are variable, since they depend on the dose of the radiopharmaceutical and the organ being studied or treated, also called the target..
Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive drugs made up of a radioactive isotope and a molecule or agent that carries it. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected into the patient (or ingested orally), it is directed to the body's system that processes it.
The radioactive signal emitted is captured by special equipment used in nuclear medicine, such as: Gamma cameras, PET (positron emission tomography) and SPECT (single photon emission tomography). The latter are better known by their acronyms in English: PET and SPECT respectively..
Although the radiation received by the patient is similar to the radiation dose when performing a plain X-ray, the information provided is of more diagnostic value.
The images obtained are molecular and functional, that is, they reveal how the tissues and organs to be explored function and if they present any molecular alteration.
The most common radioisotopes are iodine, gallium, and technetium, each in different modalities and doses..
Depending on the purpose for which the radiopharmaceutical is used in the patient, we can say that it has two types of effects: Diagnostic effects and therapeutic effects, also recognizing the existence of side effects..
In general, they are not invasive examinations and do not have adverse effects..
The property of a radiopharmaceutical to emit a radioactive signal is used in nuclear medicine to perform diagnostic tests that allow studying the functioning of a specific organ or a complete system.
Thyroid, bone and kidney gammagrams are the most frequent studies for diagnosing different pathologies.
Therapeutic effects
The radiopharmaceutical is delivered to the patient in order to make the radiation reach an organ or system. The therapeutic power of the radiopharmaceutical is based on the radiation emitted on the target organ.
The emitted radiation destroys rapidly growing cells, without damaging cells that grow at a normal rate..
The vast majority of cancer cells are fast growing, so applying the indicated radiopharmaceutical will benefit from the treatment of certain conditions.
Currently prostate, thyroid and bone cancer are treated with radiopharmaceuticals.
It is also used to relieve pain caused by bone cancer and joint pain due to arthritis..
Side effects
The most common effects of the application of radiopharmaceuticals are:
-Moderate to severe headache.
-Drowsiness
-Tachycardia
-Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and / or vomiting
-Shaking chills
-Shortness of breath
-Skin conditions such as redness, itching, hives, and hives.
-Swelling in the hands and / or feet.
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