How are nuclear reactions used in medical applications?

Nuclear reactions are used in medical applications for diagnostic imaging, cancer treatment, and sterilisation of medical equipment.

Nuclear reactions play a crucial role in the field of medicine, particularly in diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment. One of the most common uses is in the creation of isotopes for medical imaging. For instance, Technetium-99m, a radioactive isotope, is widely used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic procedures. It emits gamma radiation which can be detected by a gamma camera to create an image of the internal structure of the body. This allows doctors to diagnose a variety of conditions, from heart disease to bone disorders, without invasive procedures.

Another significant application of nuclear reactions in medicine is in the treatment of cancer, specifically through radiotherapy. Radioactive isotopes, such as Cobalt-60, are used to destroy cancer cells. The high-energy gamma rays emitted by these isotopes can be targeted to the cancerous tissue, damaging the DNA of the cancer cells and causing them to die or stop dividing. This treatment can be localised to minimise damage to healthy tissues surrounding the cancerous cells.

Nuclear reactions are also used for the sterilisation of medical equipment. This process, known as irradiation, involves exposing the equipment to a source of ionising radiation, such as gamma rays from Cobalt-60 or electron beams. The radiation kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, ensuring the equipment is safe for use. This method is particularly useful for sterilising items that cannot withstand high temperatures, such as plastic syringes or implants.

In addition, nuclear reactions are used in the production of radiopharmaceuticals. These are drugs that contain radioactive isotopes and are used for both diagnosis and treatment. For example, Iodine-131 is used to both diagnose and treat thyroid disorders. The iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland, and the emitted radiation can be detected to diagnose disorders or used to destroy abnormal thyroid tissue.

In conclusion, nuclear reactions have a wide range of applications in medicine, from diagnostic imaging to cancer treatment and sterilisation of equipment. Their use allows for non-invasive diagnosis and targeted treatment, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.