by Michael Ljungberg
This state-of-the-art handbook, the third and final in a series that
provides medical physicists with a comprehensive overview into the field
of nuclear medicine, focuses on highlighting the production and
application of radiopharmaceuticals. With this, the book also describes
the chemical composition of these compounds, as well as some of the main
clinical applications where radiopharmaceuticals may be used
Following
an introduction to the field of radiopharmacy, three chapters in this
book are dedicated towards in-depth descriptions of common radionuclides
and radiopharmaceuticals used during diagnostic studies utilizing
planar/Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging, in
addition to during Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, and,
finally, radiotherapy. These chapters are followed by those describing
procedures relating to quality control and manufacturing (good
manufacturing practices) also encompassing aspects such as environmental
compliance. Furthermore, this volume illustrates how facilities
handling these chemicals should be designed to comply with set
regulations
Like many pharmaceuticals, the development of
radiopharmaceuticals relies heavily on the use of mouse models. Thus,
the translation of radiopharmaceuticals (i.e., the process undertaken to
assure that the functionality and safety of a newly developed drug is
maintained also in a human context), is covered in a later chapter. This
is followed by a chapter emphasising the importance of safe waste
disposal and how to assure that these procedures meet the requirements
set for the disposal of hazardous waste
Several chapters have also
been dedicated towards describing various medical procedures utilizing
clinical nuclear medicine as a tool for diagnostics and therapeutics. As
physicists may be involved in clinical trials, a chapter describing the
procedures and regulations associated with these types of studies is
included. This is followed by a chapter focusing on patient safety and
another on an imaging modality not based on ionizing radiation –
ultrasound. Finally, the last chapter of this book discusses future
perspectives of the field of nuclear medicine
This text will be an
invaluable resource for libraries, institutions, and clinical and
academic medical physicists searching for a complete account of what
defines nuclear medicine
The most comprehensive reference available providing a state-of-the-art overview of the field of nuclear medicine
Edited by a leader in the field, with contributions from a team of
experienced medical physicists, chemists, engineers, scientists, and
clinical medical personnel
Includes the latest practical research in the field, in addition to explaining fundamental theory and the field's history
