Nuclear medicine, explained
Video by Philippe Tytgat
Nuclear medicine uses radiopharmaceuticals, medicines that combine a targeting molecule with a radioactive isotope, to diagnose and treat diseases, particularly cancers.
Diagnosis
In imaging (PET, SPECT), the radiopharmaceutical accumulates in the target tissue and reveals it on the scan, allowing precise detection and monitoring of the disease.
Therapy
In radioligand therapy, the radiopharmaceutical delivers radiation directly to cancer cells while limiting the impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
Theranostics
By combining diagnosis and therapy on the same target, theranostics makes it possible to select the right patients, personalise treatment and monitor its effectiveness.
Why production matters
Many radioisotopes decay within hours or days. Radiopharmaceuticals must be produced close to patients and delivered quickly, which is why Europe needs a dense network of dedicated production sites.
