Radiation in medical imaging and therapy is a double-edged sword—essential for diagnosis and treatment yet requiring careful management to safeguard patients and healthcare workers. Recent studies delve into the nuanced challenges and solutions in radiation safety and precision, focusing on vulnerable populations, patient-specific therapies, imaging accuracy, and occupational safety.
Protecting Pregnant Patients from Radiation Risks
Radiation exposure during pregnancy increases risks to embryos and fetuses. Thorax CT scans deliver higher fetal doses when the abdomen is included [1]. SPECT/CT imaging with radiopharmaceuticals produces the highest fetal doses during myocardial perfusion scans [2]. PET/CT scans expose fetuses to radiation, but doses stay below thresholds for severe impacts [3]. To reduce risks, healthcare providers must remain vigilant. Routine pregnancy screening and limiting unnecessary exposure play crucial roles in safeguarding fetal health during imaging procedures.
Personalized Dosimetry in Thyroid Cancer Therapy
In personalized cancer therapies, radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer exemplifies the promise of tailored dosimetry. Research has shown that individualized SPECT/CT-based approaches improve precision, optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects [4]. Another study emphasizes hydration as a simple yet effective method to accelerate radioiodine excretion, reducing hospital stays and exposure for thyroid cancer patients [5].
Addressing Imaging Interference for Accurate Diagnostics
Accurate imaging is essential for diagnosis and treatment but faces challenges. Bone density scans during Lu-177 therapies can produce skewed results due to gamma radiation, prompting delayed scans post-therapy [6]. Advanced techniques like SPECT/CT with iterative reconstruction significantly improve sentinel lymph node visualization in breast cancer, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes [7].
Ensuring Occupational Safety for Nuclear Medicine Staff
Healthcare professionals’ safety is crucial in radioactive environments. Studies show that while most nuclear medicine staff maintain safe radiation exposure levels, specific roles, like radiopharmacy workers, face higher risks due to increased exposure potential [8].
In conclusion, these studies collectively highlight the delicate balance between leveraging radiation for medical advancements and mitigating its risks. From protecting embryos and improving therapeutic outcomes to enhancing imaging accuracy and ensuring workplace safety, the findings underscore the importance of stringent protocols and technological innovation. By prioritizing efficacy and safety, the medical community can continue responsibly harnessing radiation’s life-saving potential.
*Notes: This article provides research teasers for each reference to showcase the novelties
References
[1] Demir, M. (2023). Determination of embryo/fetus doses of pregnants in thorax computed tomography scan. Turkish Journal of Oncology, 476–481. https://doi.org/10.5505/tjo.2023.4066
[2] Ipek Işıkçı, N. (2022). Embryo/fetal doses from spect radiopharmaceuticals. Turkish Journal of Oncology. https://doi.org/10.5505/tjo.2022.3385
[3] Işıkçı, N. İ., & Demir, M. (2022). Embryo/fetus doses from 18f-fludeoxyglucose radiopharmaceutical in positron emission tomography/ computed tomography. Journal of Medical Physics, 47(1), 109–113. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmp.jmp_115_21
[4] Abuqbeitah, M., Demir, M., Sağer, S., Asa, S., Işıkcı, N. I., & Sönmezoğlu, K. (2023). SPECT/CT-based dosimetry of salivary glands and iodine-avid lesions following 131I therapy. Health and Technology, 13(1), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-022-00718-y
[5] Ipek Işıkçı, N. (2022). Effects of hydration on radioactivity excretion and patients isolation after radioiodine therapy. Turkish Journal of Oncology. https://doi.org/10.5505/tjo.2022.3720
[6] Ipek Işıkcı, N., Abuqbeitah, M., & Demir, M. (2022). The interference of gamma rays with bone mineral density measurements in 177lu-psma and dotatate therapy. Journal of Clinical Densitometry, 25(2), 237–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocd.2021.08.003
[7] Işıkcı, N. I., & Abuqbeitah, M. (2021). Quantitative improvement of lymph nodes visualization of breast cancer using 99mTc-nanocolloid SPECT/CT and updated reconstruction algorithm. Radiation and Environmental Biophysics, 60(3), 447–451. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-021-00914-w
[8] Abuqbeitah, M., Demir, M., Işikci, N. I., Kozanlilar, B., Kovan, B., Yeyin, N., Fikret Çermik, T., Şanli, Y., & Sönmezoğlu, K. (2023). A multi-institutional assessment of eye lens dose in nuclear medicine clinics. Nuclear Medicine Communications, 44(9), 772–776. https://doi.org/10.1097/MNM.0000000000001727
The Institute for Sustainable Development at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) is tackling some of the planet’s most critical environmental challenges. By combining innovative research with global collaboration, the Institute is making meaningful contributions to sustainability efforts guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
MUST’s work providing actionable insights for sustainable development, economics, and communities:
1. AI for Smarter, Greener Cities
MUST researchers, led by Dr. Chengkun Liu, have developed a neural network model to map CO₂ emissions in urban areas(61-1), including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This research identifies emission hotspots and demonstrates how integrating technology into urban policies can reduce environmental impacts while supporting economic growth.
2. Combating Greenwashing with Genuine Corporate Action
Dr. Liu’s research addresses the rising issue of greenwashing by analyzing corporate investments in renewable energy technologies(61-2). Using machine learning, the research team can find that companies with diverse leadership and genuine ESG commitments are more likely to drive meaningful environmental change.
3. Revealing the Hidden Carbon Footprint in Global Trade
Dr. Mingbao Chen’s groundbreaking work uses exponential random graph modeling (ERGM) to uncover carbon emissions embedded in international trade(61-3). This research highlights the need for global standards in carbon management to meet climate action targets effectively.
4. Communities at the Heart of Ecosystem Health
In marine protected areas across China, Dr. Chen has demonstrated the positive impact of community involvement in resource management. The research team developed a modified statistical tool; the study shows(61-4) that ecosystems thrive when local communities actively participate in sustainability efforts.
5. Navigating Risks in Renewable Energy Markets
Dr. Tao Shen explores the dynamics between renewable energy sectors and environmental protection industries(61-5), revealing risk patterns that influence market stability. The findings provide insights to strengthen resilience in green markets and promote sustainable economic growth.
The Institute for Sustainable Development at MUST is not just studying sustainability challenges but designing the tools and strategies to solve them. Their vision for the future integrates innovation, collaboration, and data-driven solutions to empower cities, economics, and communities worldwide to thrive sustainably.
*Notes: This article provides research teasers for each reference to showcase the novelties
References
[1] X. Luo, C. Liu, and H. Zhao, “Modeling and spatio-temporal analysis on CO2 emissions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area and surrounding cities based on neural network and autoencoder,” Sustainable Cities and Society, vol. 103, p. 105254, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.scs.2024.105254.
[2] Y. Huang, N. Xiong, and C. Liu, “Renewable energy technology innovation and ESG greenwashing: Evidence from supervised machine learning methods using patent text,” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 370, p. 122833, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122833.
[3] M. Chen and Z. Xu, “Assessing socio-ecological fit of international environmental agreements and trade-embodied carbon flows,” Environmental Impact Assessment Review, vol. 106, p. 107534, May 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.eiar.2024.107534.
[4] M. Chen and Z. Xu, “Optimization of social-ecological fit in China’s Sousa Chinensis protected areas based on modified Moran’s I,” Ocean & Coastal Management, vol. 255, p. 107234, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107234.
[5] T. Shen, X. X. Mai, Y. Chang, and C. T. Deng, “The dynamic connectedness between renewable energy market and environmental protection industry based on time and frequency perspective,” Energy Strategy Reviews, vol. 53, p. 101371, May 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.esr.2024.101371.
