Aiming for seamless medical practice from nuclear medicine diagnosis to nuclear medicine therapy
Kimiteru Ito
2024/1/4
Nuclear medicine therapy is a type of radiation therapy that utilizes radioactive isotopes. By administering radiopharmaceuticals orally or by injection, cancer cells are destroyed by radiation (alpha rays, beta rays, etc.) that can only reach a very short distance. The advantages of nuclear medicine therapy include the ability of the radiation to target the DNA of tumor cells with pinpoint accuracy, causing minimal impact on normal cells. Prior to treatment, nuclear medicine images such as gamma camera or PET scans are conducted to assess the suitability for nuclear medicine treatment. However, it requires facilities and staff to manage radiation, and is performed only at a limited number of medical institutions in Japan. Our hospital has two beds for nuclear medicine therapy. In addition, we have up to 15 beds in rooms with special measures for treatment with 177Lu. Our hospital performs over 250 cases of internal therapy annually, and we also provide treatment for patients who may find it challenging to receive care at other institutions, as long as they meet the appropriate criteria.
