Gamma-Ray Involved in Cancer Therapy and Imaging Publisher



Mosayebnia M¹ ; Ahmadi M² ; Emzhik M² ; Hajiramezanali M³
Source: Electromagnetic Waves-Based Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy: Principles and Applications of Nanomaterials Published:2023

Abstract

A gamma ray is a kind of electromagnetic radiation arising from the nuclear transition in the radioactive decay processes. Gamma rays with energies greater than 0.5MeV have therapeutic applications and can be used as implants or external sources of radiation. Different gamma-emitting radionuclides, which are routinely applied in nuclear medicine, release low-energy γ rays (between 50 and 550keV). These radionuclides render diagnostic properties applicable in molecular imaging. Nanomaterials are attractive carriers for radiolabeling with γ-emitting radionuclides due to their diversity and capability to be labeled using various approaches. Direct attachment or integration of radionuclides in their structures or radiolabeling using mediators like chelators or prosthetic groups are general approaches that can be adopted. This chapter aims to explain (1) the production of γ rays, (2) the γ-ray interactions with matter and the creation of images, (3) γ-emitting radionuclides used in single-photon emission computerized tomography and positron emission tomography systems, and (4) the radiolabeling strategies applied for both organic and inorganic nanoparticles and their advantages and disadvantages. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.