Radiation issue in clinical nuclear molecular imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Biology
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Radiation exposure is common in nature and utilized across medicine, agriculture, and industry.
• Low-dose radiation (LDR), defined as below 100 mSv, lacks scientific consensus on human health effects, leading to public apprehension.
• The linear non-threshold (LNT) model, used in radiation protection, has not detected adverse effects from low dose, low-dose rate (LDDR) exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific literature on low-dose radiation (LDR) effects.
• To provide data and communication strategies for understanding the advantages and disadvantages of LDR in nuclear medicine.
• To address public misconceptions regarding radiation safety in medical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific data on low-dose radiation (LDR).
• Analysis of dose-response curve theories and their implications.
• Examination of the role and safety of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine.

Main Results:

• Adverse effects from low dose, low-dose rate (LDDR) exposures are not detectable.
• Nuclear molecular imaging employs LDR via radiopharmaceuticals for disease evaluation.
• Nuclear medicine is crucial for comprehensive patient care, including diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Clarifying the science behind LDR is essential for informed public perception.
• Nuclear medicine offers significant diagnostic and therapeutic benefits despite LDR exposure.
• Effective scientific communication can mitigate public fear of radiation in medical contexts.