Basis of therapeutic nuclear medicine

Abstract

Therapeutic applications of nuclear medicine are expanding (Table 20.1). Until few years ago, the use of radioisotopes in therapy was limited predominantly to treatment of hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and polycythemia rubra vera. Strontium-89 (Sr-89), rhenium-186 (Re-186), samarium-153 (Sm-153), and tin-117m (Sn-117) have been increasingly used more recently in treating bone pain secondary to metastases. Additionally, treatment of certain neuroendocrine tumors with I-131 MIBG and labeled octreotide and pentreotide, the use of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies for lymphomas, radionuclide treatment of primary and secondary liver lesions, and radionuclide synovectomy have revolutionized the fi eld of therapeutic nuclear medicine.