Nuclear Medicine In Clinical Oncology

The introduction of nuclear medicine into oncology dates back to the early 1 940s, when Lawrence reported on the tumor retention of 32P-phosphate, von Hevesy and von Euler soon afterwards published their fundamental work on the metabolism of phosphorus in sarcoma cells, and when almost at the same time Keston and his coworkers de scribed their observation of the accumulation of radioactive iodine in metastases of a thyroid carcinoma. Since that time innumerable publi cations have appeared in oncologic literature which deal with the application of nuclear medical methods in experimental cancer re search and also in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. The significance of some originally very successfully applied clinical methods naturally has changed over the years. For instance, scin tigraphy became somewhat less important for the purely morpho logic assessment of certain tumors after the introduction of transmis sion computerized tomography and modem sonographic methods into clinical practice. On the other hand, however, it has also been possible to further develop scintigraphy to a decisive extent, both 'with refer ence to the test substances applied and in view of the instrumentation. As far as the scintigraphic equipment is concerned, the introduction of static and sequential digital imaging by means of scintillation camera computer systems in the mid-1960s represents important progress, as does the recent development of emission computerized tomography with single photon and positron emitters.

This book introduces molecular imaging and Target Therapy in various cancers. The first part is the subjects and primary focused on the basics of nuclear physics, radiation dosimetry, nuclear medicine equipment and small animal imaging equipment. The second part is about the radiopharmaceutical and commonly used clinical radiopharmaceuticals, including positron emission imaging agent, single photon emission imaging agent, and radionuclide therapy agents as well as their radioactive preparation, quality control, and a brief clinical application were included. Also, this part introduces a number of new imaging agents which were potential value of clinical applications. In the third part, the clinical application of the conventional imaging agent 18F-FDG in different tumors and neurodegenerative diseases and 18F-Dopa imaging in the nervous system are discussed. Besides the clinical applications of 99mTc labeled radiopharmaceuticals in parathyroid disease, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, sentinel lymph node, metastatic bone tumors, liver and gallbladder disease in children are introduced. Finally, the applications of radionuclide 131I on treatments of Graves' disease and differentiated thyroid cancer and metastases are investigated respectively. This book is a useful reference for professionals engaged in nuclear medicine and clinical research, including clinical nuclear medicine physicians, nuclear medicine engineers and nuclear medicine pharmacists.

Nuclear Medicine Therapy presents the state of the art in targeted radionuclide therapy, both in clinical practice and contemporary clinical investigation and trials. With contributions from an internationally-distinguished group of physicians and scientists, the book is devoted entirely to the use of nuclear medicine techniques and technology for therapy of malignant and benign diseases. Individual chapters cover the scientific principles and clinical applications of radionuclide therapy and the state of clinical trials of agents currently under investigation in the therapy of tumors involving virtually every organ system. Due to overlapping interest in techniques, indications, and clinical use, the development of radionuclide therapy attracts considerable input from other medical specialists whose collaboration is essential, including radiation and medical oncologists, hematologists, diagnostic radiologists, hepatologists, endocrinologists, and rheumatologists. And because radionuclide therapy is a rapidly evolving field of nuclear medicine, it is the aim of this volume to appeal to all specialists involved in targeted radionuclide therapy and to contribute to the standardization of the practice globally.

The introduction of nuclear medicine into oncology dates back to the early 1 940s, when Lawrence reported on the tumor retention of 32P-phosphate, von Hevesy and von Euler soon afterwards published their fundamental work on the metabolism of phosphorus in sarcoma cells, and when almost at the same time Keston and his coworkers de scribed their observation of the accumulation of radioactive iodine in metastases of a thyroid carcinoma. Since that time innumerable publi cations have appeared in oncologic literature which deal with the application of nuclear medical methods in experimental cancer re search and also in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. The significance of some originally very successfully applied clinical methods naturally has changed over the years. For instance, scin tigraphy became somewhat less important for the purely morpho logic assessment of certain tumors after the introduction of transmis sion computerized tomography and modem sonographic methods into clinical practice. On the other hand, however, it has also been possible to further develop scintigraphy to a decisive extent, both 'with refer ence to the test substances applied and in view of the instrumentation. As far as the scintigraphic equipment is concerned, the introduction of static and sequential digital imaging by means of scintillation camera computer systems in the mid-1960s represents important progress, as does the recent development of emission computerized tomography with single photon and positron emitters.

Building on the traditional concept of nuclear medicine, this textbook presents cutting-edge concepts of hybrid imaging and discusses the close interactions between nuclear medicine and other clinical specialties, in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. Today the diagnostic applications of nuclear medicine are no longer stand-alone procedures, separate from other diagnostic imaging modalities. This is especially true for hybrid imaging guided interventional radiology or surgical procedures. Accordingly, today’s nuclear medicine specialists are actually specialists in multimodality imaging (in addition to their expertise in the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of radionuclides). This new role requires a new core curriculum for training nuclear medicine specialists. This textbook is designed to meet these new educational needs, and to prepare nuclear physicians and technologists for careers in this exciting specialty.

The recent revolution in molecular biology offers exciting new opportunities for targeted radionuclide therapy. This up-to-date, comprehensive book, written by world-renowned experts, discusses the basic principles of radionuclide therapy, explores in detail the available treatments, explains the regulatory requirements, and examines likely future developments. The full range of clinical applications is considered, including thyroid cancer, hematological malignancies, brain tumors, liver cancer, bone and joint disease, and neuroendocrine tumors. The combination of theoretical background and practical information will provide the reader with all the knowledge required to administer radionuclide therapy safely and effectively in the individual patient. Careful attention is also paid to the role of the therapeutic nuclear physician in coordinating a diverse multidisciplinary team, which is central to the safe provision of treatment.

This book provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of both the basic principles and the clinical applications of nuclear oncology imaging techniques. The authors have assembled a distinguished group of leaders in the field who provide valuable insight on the subject. The book also includes major chapters on the cancer patient and the pathophysiology of abnormal tissue, the evaluation of co-existing disease, and the diagnosis and therapy of specific tumors using functional imaging studies. Each chapter is heavily illustrated to assist the reader in understanding the clinical role of nuclear oncology in cancer disease therapy and management.