Isotope in Cancer Treatment

[Audio] Isotope in Cancer Treatment Megan Collins, Kayla burns, Ngozi NNAwuihe.

[Audio] Isotope Iodine – 131 Differentiate the decays at a subatomic level Discuss real world application Risks factors of the isotope Identify what types of cancers it treats Measurement equations for exposure Isotopes are crucial in cancer treatment, providing targeted and effective diagnostic and therapeutic solutions..

[Audio] Chemistry in Cancer Treatment • Radioactive isotopes emit radiation, making them valuable in cancer detection and treatment. • Chemistry enables the understanding and application of isotopes in diagnosing and treating cancer. Chemistry enables the understanding and application of isotopes in diagnosing and treating cancer. Tea et al. (2021) state that isotopes undergo chemical transformations, influencing stability and decay, which is crucial in treatment planning. The behavior of isotopes depends on their atomic structure, which determines their radioactive properties. For instance, some isotopes decay rapidly, making them suitable for short-term treatments, while others have longer half-lives, allowing prolonged therapeutic effects. Faubert et al. (2021) discuss isotope tracing, which enables researchers to analyze tumor metabolism, enhancing treatment precision. By injecting stable isotopes, scientists can track how cancer cells process nutrients, helping them develop targeted therapies. This technique provides critical insights into how tumors grow and respond to treatment, leading to more effective interventions. The chemical behavior of isotopes is essential in determining their safety and efficiency, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary research. Understanding isotope interactions with biological tissues helps improve their application in medical settings. However, the complexity of chemical reactions in the body makes precise isotope control challenging. Understanding the chemistry of isotopes enhances their application in cancer care, optimizing their role in diagnostics and therapy. Advanced chemical research continues to refine isotope use, improving treatment outcomes..

[Audio] Mechanism of Action: How Isotopes Treat Cancer • Radioactive isotopes destroy cancer cells by emitting radiation that damages DNA, preventing tumor growth. • Stable isotopes play a vital role in studying cancer metabolism and improving treatment approaches. Radioactive isotopes destroy cancer cells by emitting radiation that damages DNA, preventing tumor growth. Bartman et al. (2023) explain that beta-emitting isotopes like Lutetium-177 bind to cancer cells, delivering targeted radiation with minimal side effects. These isotopes disrupt cellular replication by breaking DNA strands, leading to controlled cancer cell death. This targeted approach reduces damage to surrounding healthy tissues, making it an effective treatment for certain cancers like neuroendocrine tumors. Alpha-emitting isotopes such as Radium-223 selectively target bone metastases, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues (Tea et al., 2021). Alpha particles have high energy but low penetration, making them ideal for treating bone cancer while minimizing exposure to other organs. This approach improves patient safety and lowers the risk of radiation-induced side effects. While effective, some isotopes require precise administration to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure. Misplacement of radiopharmaceuticals can lead to toxicity, affecting normal cells. Healthcare professionals must use advanced imaging techniques to ensure accurate delivery of isotopes. The effectiveness of isotopes in cancer therapy depends on their selective targeting and controlled radiation emission. Advances in radiopharmaceuticals continue to improve isotope-based therapies, increasing their precision and reducing side effects..

[Audio] Radioactive Decay in Cancer Treatment • The type of radioactive decay determines the effectiveness and safety of isotopes in cancer therapy. The type of radioactive decay determines the effectiveness and safety of isotopes in cancer therapy. Tea et al. (2021) explain that alpha decay emits heavy particles that kill cancer cells without deep penetration. Alpha particles travel short distances, making them effective for localized treatment. For example, Radium-223 is used to treat bone metastases by targeting cancer cells in the bone while minimizing exposure to nearby tissues. Reissig et al. (2021) discuss beta-emitting isotopes that penetrate deeper and treat solid tumors effectively. Beta particles have medium energy levels, allowing them to reach cancerous tissues while limiting damage to surrounding cells. Lutetium-177, a beta emitter, is used to treat neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer, reducing tumor size and improving patient outcomes. Different decay types must be carefully matched to cancer type for optimal treatment results. While alpha particles are ideal for treating localized cancers, beta-emitting isotopes work better for deeper tumors. Gamma radiation, often used in imaging, has high penetration and must be controlled to avoid excessive exposure. Understanding radioactive decay allows for precise application in cancer therapy. Selecting the appropriate isotope for treatment enhances safety and effectiveness, leading to improved cancer care..

[Audio] Radium 223 – Emits (Alpha) particles 223 4 219 — Ra = — α + — Rn(Radon) 88 2 86 Alpha Decay.

[Audio] Beta Decay Beta Decay Iodine 131 – Emits high energy (Beta) particles 131 0 131 — I = — β- + — Xe(Xenon) 53 -1 54.

[Audio] Copper – 64 Emits a positron decreasing the atomic number • 64 0 64 — Cu = — β+ + — Ni (Nickel) 29 1 28 Positron Emission.

[Audio] A proton and electron combine forming a neutron decreasing weight by 1 64 0 64 — Cu + — e°- = — Ni (Nickle) 29 -1 28 Electron Capture.

[Audio] Iodine -131 Iodine – 131 is used to treat Thyroid Cancers, and create imaging scans of the Thyroid Signs and symptoms consist of swollen glands, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and neck pain. Side effects include dry eyes, development of other cancers, inflammation of the stomach. Is absorbed by the thyroid to deliver radiation destroying abnormal cells Radioactive decay half-life of about 8 days.

[Audio] Iodine 131 Information General Information Symbol – 131 I Names – Iodine – 131, 131I , I-131 and radioiodine Protons = 53 / Neutrons = 78 Nuclide Data Half- life (t ½), 8.0249 days Mass – 130.906 Decay products 131 Xe Decay mode (β- + y) Decay energy – 0.970789 Physiology Glossary: Acidosis & Alkalosis - Causes and Compensations https://www.drawittoknowit.com/course/physiology/glossary/pathophysiologic-disorder/acid-base-disorders.

[Audio] Application Iodine – 131 is used in treatment of thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular and mixed papillary and follicular) Scans – uses iodine – 131 to create images to evaluate thyroid, but in recent years is found to be performed in low doses of 40-100 MBq (1-3mCi) due to it stunning thyrocytes. Isotopes have revolutionized cancer diagnosis, research, and treatment, offering innovative solutions for patients. • Isotopes enhance cancer diagnosis through imaging techniques like PET and SPECT scans. These scans help determine size, shape and location of nodules and tumors. It also assesses the function of the treatment response to determine if there is a recurrence after thyroid has been removed..

[Audio] Health Risks Despite its effectiveness, isotope therapy poses challenges related to radiation exposure, cost, and accessibility. Risks include increase in salivary gland cancers, stomach cancers, and thyroid cancers. Inflammation of the neck and stomach and swelling of the body Increased nausea and vomiting Large amounts of exposure create burns to the eyes and skin of treated areas. Possible infertility for up to two years after treatment.

[Audio] Nursing connection – Isotope Therapy • Patients receiving radioactive isotopes must follow strict guidelines to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to others. • Nurses provide instructions on isolation measures, such as avoiding close contact with children and pregnant women after treatment with Iodine-13. ThePhoto by PhotoAuthor is licensed under CCYYSA. Nurses play a key role in ensuring the safe and effective administration of isotope therapy. Tea et al. (2021) emphasize that nurses educate patients on radiation safety and post-treatment precautions. Patients receiving radioactive isotopes must follow strict guidelines to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to others. Nurses provide instructions on isolation measures, such as avoiding close contact with children and pregnant women after treatment with Iodine-131. According to Bartman et al. (2023), nurses monitor patient responses, manage side effects, and ensure compliance with radiation guidelines. Side effects of isotope therapy, such as fatigue and nausea, require close observation and intervention. For example, patients receiving Lutetium-177 for neuroendocrine tumors may experience mild radiation sickness, which nurses manage through hydration and supportive care. Monitoring radiation exposure levels and ensuring proper disposal of radioactive waste are also key nursing responsibilities. The complexity of isotope therapy requires specialized training for nurses. Handling radiopharmaceuticals requires knowledge of radiation safety protocols and the ability to recognize adverse reactions. Nurses must also support patients emotionally, addressing fears associated with radiation-based treatments. Nurses are essential in ensuring the success of isotope therapy. Their expertise improves patient safety, enhances treatment outcomes, and supports the overall effectiveness of radiation-based cancer care..

[Audio] Measure Exposure Measurements of iodine – 131 uses a wide range of beta gamma "Patients can leave once the rates of exposure drop below... 10µSv/h (1.0 mR/h) at 1 m distance" Measurement range is "0.1µSv/h to 100 Sv/h at a 5cm distance from the stomach and neck levels and 1 to 2 m from the patient if in the hospital bed" ThePhoto by PhotoAuthor is licensed under CCYYSA..

[Audio] Advantages of Isotope-Based Cancer Treatment • Isotope therapy provides precise, targeted cancer treatment with fewer side effects than conventional methods. Isotope therapy provides precise, targeted cancer treatment with fewer side effects than conventional methods. Faubert et al. (2021) emphasize that isotopes deliver localized radiation, sparing healthy cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and normal tissues, isotopes such as Lutetium-177 specifically bind to tumor cells, reducing damage to surrounding areas. This targeted approach improves patient outcomes and minimizes common side effects like nausea and hair loss. Bartman et al. (2023) note that isotope therapy reduces reliance on invasive procedures, improving patient comfort. For example, Iodine-131 is used for thyroid cancer treatment without the need for surgery. Patients receive an oral dose, and the isotope selectively destroys cancerous thyroid cells while leaving healthy tissues intact. This makes isotope therapy a less painful and more convenient option for many cancer patients. Despite these benefits, the availability of isotopes remains a challenge. Many medical isotopes require specialized production facilities and strict handling protocols, increasing costs. Additionally, some isotopes have short half-lives, requiring quick administration before decay reduces effectiveness. Isotope therapy is a highly effective, targeted treatment approach with minimal systemic effects. Continued advancements in radiopharmaceuticals could expand access and further improve cancer care..