At MareVisie, we strive not only to make projects successful but also to contribute to the broader development of knowledge within sectors in which we are active. In our ongoing effort to share valuable information, we now turn our attention to the fascinating use of nuclear technology in the healthcare world. Every day, countless patients rely on nuclear radiation to maintain or restore their health. In our upcoming article, we explore the innovative ways nuclear radiation is applied in the medical sector. We share insights, developments, and possibilities that are pushing the boundaries of healthcare.
Diagnostics[1]
Nuclear radiation is very useful for making diagnoses. First, the patient must ingest a small amount of radioactive substance – called a radionuclide. This can be done through a pill, injection, or inhalation. The tracer (radionuclide) is then absorbed by the body and the organ to the same extent as non-radioactive isotopes of the same substance. The location of the decay of the radionuclide is measured. This maps the activity of the organ being examined: low uptake may indicate a dead part of an organ, while high uptake often indicates a tumor. PET and SPECT scans are examples of this technique.
Treatment[2]
Another application of nuclear radiation is the treatment of tumors. A small amount of radionuclide is placed near a tumor: in a small tube that is removed after treatment, or it is injected directly (in which case it remains after treatment). An example is brachytherapy (from the Greek brachys – short), which is mainly used as a treatment for cervical, prostate, breast, and skin cancer. The advantage of nuclear radiation over external radiation is that the radiation can be much better concentrated, especially if the patient (or their organ) moves.
Sterilization of Medical Devices[3]
Finally, nuclear radiation is a very efficient way to sterilize medical devices such as gloves or syringes. An advantage of radiation is that devices can be sterilized while in their packaging. Worldwide, about 12 million m³ of medical devices are sterilized with radiation, including 40% by means of (nuclear) gamma radiation.
High Radiation Dose
A disadvantage of nuclear diagnostics and treatment is the high radiation dose that a patient receives. Medical applications together account for 38% of the effective dose received – the quantity that measures biological effects of radiation – of an average Dutch person.[4] This calculation also includes non-nuclear radiation, such as X-rays. The remaining 62% is mainly from natural radiation, for example radon gas from rock or cosmic radiation, while other artificial radiation such as from the Chernobyl fallout or industry together account for less than 1%.
However, it should be said that the negative effects of the extra radiation do not outweigh the positive: a small additional risk of cancer over several years is much less relevant than a probable or certain cancer case at this moment.
NRG and PALLAS
NRG is an institution located in Petten on the North Holland coast. NRG is one of the world’s largest producers of medical isotopes, such as molybdenum-99, lutetium-177, and iridium-192. These are used daily in the treatment of 30,000 patients. PALLAS is the name of the facility to be built, which is to replace NRG’s High Flux Reactor.
At MareVisie, we strongly believe in sharing knowledge and expertise that we have built up over many years. As a leading project management organization, we not only have experience but also in-depth knowledge in the field of nuclear technology. Our dedicated colleagues have completed relevant training, including at the Reactor Institute of TU Delft, specializing in this complex and important sector.
Our involvement in projects for leading organizations in the nuclear sector has led to extensive competence in various areas, ranging from installation modifications to permit applications. This deep-rooted involvement has not only provided us with expertise but also with a profound understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the nuclear industry.
Sources:
[1] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/nuclear-medicine
[2] https://www.umcutrecht.nl/nl/onderzoek/angiografie-tumor-behandeling-nucleair
https://www.kanker.nl/soorten-behandelingen/bestraling/de-behandeling-met-bestraling/inwendige-bestraling-brachytherapie
[3] https://www.iaea.org/topics/medical-sterilization
[4] https://www.rivm.nl/straling-en-radioactiviteit/blootstelling-en-gezondheidsrisico/blootstelling-aan-ioniserende-straling-samengevat