How Does Nuclear Medicine Work in Cancer Treatment?With Dr. Azza Mohamed Darwish

Nuclear medicine is one of the most advanced fields in cancer treatment. It offers precise techniques that directly target cancer cells using radioactive isotopes.
In this article, Dr. Azza Mohamed Darwish, a specialist in nuclear medicine and oncology, provides a simplified explanation of how this type of treatment works—and why it is considered both effective and safe for many patients.

 What Is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses small amounts of radioactive materials (isotopes) for diagnosis or treatment.
In cancer therapy, these substances are designed to target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues as much as possible.

 How Does Nuclear Medicine Treat Cancer?

According to Dr. Azza Mohamed Darwish, the treatment process involves:

1. Injecting or ingesting a radioactive material that is specifically engineered to seek out certain cancer cells.

2. The substance travels through the bloodstream and binds to the diseased cells.

3. The radioactive isotopes emit radiation that destroys the cancer cells from within.

4. Any remaining material is naturally eliminated from the body within a few days.

 Benefits of Nuclear Medicine in Cancer Treatment:

• Highly targeted cancer cell destruction

• Minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue

• Fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy

• Can be effective when traditional treatments fail

• Also used to monitor cancer spread or treatment response

 Common Types of Nuclear Therapies:

Dr. Azza Mohamed Darwish notes some of the most widely used nuclear therapies include:

• Radioactive iodine (I-131): for thyroid cancer

• Lutetium-177 (Lu-177): for neuroendocrine tumors

• Actinium-225 (Ac-225): for advanced prostate cancer

• Targeted isotope therapies: tailored to the type of tumor and its receptors

 Is Nuclear Medicine Safe?

Yes. Radioactive materials are handled with the highest safety standards in specialized treatment units under strict medical supervision.
Patients are thoroughly evaluated before treatment to ensure suitability.

 A Word from Dr. Azza Mohamed Darwish:

"Nuclear medicine brings a smart and precise approach to cancer treatment. Thanks to scientific advancements, we can now fight cancer from the inside while preserving the patient's quality of life."