Radioisotopes - Epidemiology

What are Radioisotopes?

Radioisotopes, also known as radioactive isotopes, are atoms with an unstable nucleus that release radiation during their decay to a stable form. These isotopes have various applications in medicine, industry, and research, including their pivotal role in epidemiology.

How are Radioisotopes Used in Epidemiology?

In epidemiology, radioisotopes are primarily used for diagnostic and tracing purposes. They help researchers study the distribution and determinants of diseases in populations. For example, radioactive tracers can be used to track the spread of infectious diseases or the metabolism of drugs within a population.

What are the Benefits of Using Radioisotopes in Epidemiological Studies?

Radioisotopes offer several benefits in epidemiological research:

Precision and Accuracy: Radioisotopes allow for precise tracking of substances within the body, leading to accurate data collection.
Non-invasive Techniques: Many radioisotope-based techniques are non-invasive, reducing the risk to study participants.
Real-time Monitoring: They enable real-time monitoring of physiological processes, offering insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy.

What are the Risks Associated with Radioisotopes?

While radioisotopes have numerous benefits, their use also comes with potential risks:

Radiation Exposure: Prolonged or high-dose exposure to radiation can lead to adverse health effects, including cancer.
Environmental Contamination: Improper disposal of radioactive materials can contaminate the environment, posing a risk to public health.
Regulatory and Ethical Concerns: The use of radioisotopes must comply with strict regulations to ensure safety and ethical considerations.

How are Safety and Ethical Concerns Addressed?

To mitigate risks, stringent safety protocols and ethical guidelines are in place. These include:

Regulatory Oversight: Organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and national regulatory bodies oversee the safe use of radioisotopes.
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs): Research involving radioisotopes must be approved by IRBs to ensure ethical standards are met.
Training and Education: Researchers and healthcare professionals receive training in handling and disposing of radioactive materials safely.

What is the Future of Radioisotopes in Epidemiology?

The future of radioisotopes in epidemiology looks promising, with advancements in technology and methodology enhancing their application. Emerging fields like molecular epidemiology and personalized medicine are likely to benefit from the use of radioisotopes, enabling more targeted and effective interventions.

Relevant Publications

Role of neoadjuvant peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in unresectable and metastatic gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: A scoping review.

Issue Release: 2024

RadioLabeling of the Mutant form of Anti-PlGF Nanobody by Tc-Tricarbonyl.

Issue Release: 2024

Cushing Syndrome Due to a Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone- and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Secreting Silent Pheochromocytoma.

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Characterizing the voxel-based approaches in radioembolization dosimetry with reDoseMC.

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Therapeutic biliary stents: applications and opportunities.

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Biotin labeling allows for post-transfusion functional assessment of stored human platelets in mice.

Issue Release: 2024

Development of the occupational exposure during the production and application of radiopharmaceuticals in Germany.

Issue Release: 2024

Short-lived natural radionuclides as tracers in hydrogeological studies - A review.

Issue Release: 2024

A metal-catalysed functional group metathesis approach to the carbon isotope labelling of carboxylic acids.

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Assessment of occupational external radiation exposure of workers in the Southwest of Libya using portable NaI detector.

Issue Release: 2024

Neurotensin (8-13) and Neuromedin N Neuropeptides Radiolabelling with Copper-64 Produced on Solid or Liquid Targets.

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Geochemical characteristics, hazards impact assessment and radiogenic heat production of the alkaline rocks.

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Assessment of cancer risk and radiological effects from Po and Pb with consumption of wild medicinal herbal plants.

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Comparison of the dosimetry of scandium-43 and scandium-44 patient organ doses in relation to commonly used gallium-68 for imaging neuroendocrine tumours.

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New Drugs for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy in Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

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Micronuclear battery based on a coalescent energy transducer.

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Gene isolation and enzymatic characterization of UDP-glycosyltransferases of terpene glucoside biosynthesis involved in linalyl-glycoside accumulation in Coffea arabica.

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A novel dual ATM/DNA-PK inhibitor, XRD-0394, potently radiosensitizes and potentiates PARP and topoisomerase I inhibitors.

Issue Release: 2024

Natural Radioactivity in Raw Building Materials for Underground Parking Lots and Assessment of Radiological Health Risk for the Population.

Issue Release: 2024

Antibody-Mediated Depletion of Autoreactive T Lymphocytes through PD-1 Improves Disease Outcomes and Visualizes T Cell Activation in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

Issue Release: 2024

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