Bone-seeking radioisotope
Encyclopedia
A bone-seeking radioisotope is a radioactive substance that is given through a vein
, and collects in bone cells and in tumor cells that have spread to the bone
. It kills cancer cells by giving off low-level radiation
.
Vein
In the circulatory system, veins are blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart. Most veins carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues back to the heart; exceptions are the pulmonary and umbilical veins, both of which carry oxygenated blood to the heart...
, and collects in bone cells and in tumor cells that have spread to the bone
Bone
Bones are rigid organs that constitute part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. They support, and protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells and store minerals. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective tissue...
. It kills cancer cells by giving off low-level radiation
Radiation
In physics, radiation is a process in which energetic particles or energetic waves travel through a medium or space. There are two distinct types of radiation; ionizing and non-ionizing...
.
External links
- Bone-seeking radioisotope entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms