what cancer treatment makes you radioactive

Cancer treatment often involves advanced technologies and therapies tailored to target malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue. One of these treatments, radiation therapy, specifically certain forms of it, can make patients temporarily radioactive. This occurs when radioactive substances are introduced into the body to target cancer cells. This article explores the cancer treatments that cause radioactivity, their mechanisms, safety precautions, and potential impacts on patients and their surroundings.

Understanding Radiation in Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves to destroy or damage cancer cells. It is classified into two main types:

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This involves external machines directing radiation at the cancer site. Patients do not become radioactive with this method.
2. Internal Radiation Therapy: Also known as brachytherapy or systemic radiation therapy, this involves placing radioactive materials inside the body, which may make patients temporarily radioactive.

Cancer Treatments That Can Cause Radioactivity

1. Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy where a radioactive source is placed directly inside or near the tumor.

• How It Works:
  A small sealed radioactive implant (often called a seed, pellet, or capsule) is inserted into the body to deliver concentrated radiation to the tumor. The implant emits radiation to kill cancer cells while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissue.
• Types of Brachytherapy:
  • Low-Dose Rate (LDR): Implants deliver radiation over days or weeks and may remain in the body permanently (e.g., prostate cancer seeds).
  • High-Dose Rate (HDR): Implants deliver higher doses over a shorter period (minutes to hours) and are removed after treatment.
• Radioactivity Concerns:
  • Permanent implants: Patients may emit low levels of radiation for a short period.
  • Temporary implants: Patients may be radioactive only while the implant is in place.

2. Systemic Radiation Therapy

Systemic radiation therapy involves administering radioactive substances orally or intravenously, which travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells.

• Common Radioactive Substances:
  • Radioactive Iodine (I-131): Used to treat thyroid cancer and overactive thyroid conditions.
  • Strontium-89 and Samarium-153: Used to relieve bone pain caused by cancer metastasis.
  • Radium-223 (Xofigo): Targets bone metastases in prostate cancer patients.
  • Lutetium-177: Used for neuroendocrine tumors and advanced prostate cancer.
• How It Works:
  These substances bind to specific tissues or cancer cells and emit radiation, destroying the target cells while sparing others.
• Radioactivity Concerns:
  Since the radioactive materials circulate in the body, patients may emit radiation through bodily fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, etc.) for days or weeks.

3. Radioactive Pharmaceuticals

Radiopharmaceuticals are drugs containing radioactive isotopes designed to treat cancer. They work similarly to systemic radiation therapy but are highly specific to certain types of cancer.

• Examples of Radiopharmaceuticals:
  • Ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin): Used for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • Yttrium-90 microspheres: Used in liver cancer.
• How It Works:
  The radioactive component targets cancer cells, delivering localized radiation and minimizing exposure to healthy cells.
• Radioactivity Concerns:
  Patients receiving radiopharmaceuticals may temporarily emit low levels of radiation.

Safety Precautions for Radioactive Patients

When patients become radioactive due to cancer treatment, they are advised to follow safety guidelines to protect themselves and those around them. The duration and extent of precautions depend on the type and dose of radioactive material used.

1. For Patients Receiving Brachytherapy

• Permanent Implants: Avoid close contact with pregnant women and children for a short period. Radiation levels decrease over time as the material decays.
• Temporary Implants: Patients may need to stay in the hospital during treatment to prevent radiation exposure to others.

2. For Patients Receiving Systemic Radiation Therapy

• Isolation: Patients may be advised to stay isolated for a few days after treatment to avoid exposing others to radiation.
• Hygiene Practices: Wash hands frequently and flush the toilet twice to reduce radiation from bodily fluids.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share towels, utensils, or bedding.

3. General Safety Measures

• Maintain a safe distance from others, especially vulnerable individuals like children and pregnant women.
• Follow hospital or doctor-specific guidelines for radiation safety.

Side Effects of Radioactive Cancer Treatments

While effective, treatments involving radioactivity can cause side effects. These may vary depending on the type of treatment, radioactive material used, and the patient’s overall health.

1. Local Side Effects (Brachytherapy)

• Skin irritation or burns at the implant site.
• Discomfort or swelling in the treated area.

2. Systemic Side Effects (Systemic Radiation Therapy)

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fatigue.
• Dry mouth or changes in taste (in the case of radioactive iodine).
• Temporary reduction in blood cell counts.

3. Long-Term Risks

• Permanent hair loss in the treated area (if brachytherapy is used near the scalp).
• Rarely, secondary cancers may develop due to radiation exposure.

Monitoring and Recovery

Patients undergoing radioactive treatments are closely monitored to ensure safety and effectiveness. Post-treatment, healthcare providers assess the decay of radioactive materials in the body to determine when normal activities can be resumed.

• Follow-Up Tests: Imaging or blood tests may be performed to evaluate treatment outcomes.
• Radiation Decay: Most radioactive substances used in cancer treatment have short half-lives, meaning their radiation diminishes rapidly over time.

Emotional and Social Considerations

The idea of being “radioactive” can be daunting for patients and their families. Open communication with healthcare providers about safety and long-term effects can alleviate fears. Joining support groups or counseling can also help patients cope with the emotional challenges of radioactive treatments.

Advances in Radioactive Cancer Treatments

The field of nuclear medicine and radiotherapy is evolving rapidly. Modern techniques aim to:

• Reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissues.
• Develop radiopharmaceuticals with shorter half-lives to minimize radioactivity concerns.
• Improve targeting mechanisms to enhance treatment precision.

Conclusion

Cancer treatments involving radioactive materials, such as brachytherapy, systemic radiation therapy, and radiopharmaceuticals, are powerful tools in the fight against cancer. While these treatments can make patients temporarily radioactive, the benefits often outweigh the risks when managed with proper safety precautions. By understanding the process, following safety guidelines, and seeking support, patients can navigate their treatment journey with confidence and hope. Advances in medical technology continue to refine these therapies, promising safer and more effective options for future patients.