Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Nuclear medicine is a specialized branch of medical imaging that utilizes small amounts of radioactive materials, known as radiopharmaceuticals, to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. This field has seen significant advancements and trends in recent years that are shaping the future of medical imaging and therapy. One of the key trends in nuclear medicine is the development of new radiopharmaceuticals with improved imaging and therapeutic properties. These radiopharmaceuticals target specific molecules or receptors in the body, allowing for more precise diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disorders. The use of novel radiopharmaceuticals is revolutionizing personalized medicine by tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their unique biological characteristics. Another important trend in nuclear medicine is the integration of hybrid imaging technologies, such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT). These hybrid imaging modalities combine the functional information from nuclear medicine scans with the anatomical detail provided by CT scans, offering comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. The fusion of PET or SPECT with CT imaging enhances the accuracy of disease localization and characterization, leading to improved patient management and outcomes. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on theranostics in nuclear medicine, which involves the combined use of diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy. Theranostic approaches allow for the identification of specific molecular targets using imaging techniques and subsequent treatment with radiopharmaceuticals that deliver therapeutic doses to the diseased tissue. This integrated approach is particularly promising for the management of cancer, as it enables clinicians to monitor treatment response in real-time and adjust therapy accordingly. Moreover, the field of nuclear medicine is witnessing advancements in instrumentation and image reconstruction techniques that are enhancing the sensitivity and resolution of imaging systems. The development of new detectors, such as solid-state detectors and time-of-flight PET scanners, is improving image quality and reducing scan times. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms is helping to optimize image reconstruction, reduce radiation exposure, and streamline workflow in nuclear medicine departments. In conclusion, the trends in nuclear medicine are driving innovation in diagnostic imaging and therapy, offering new possibilities for precision medicine and patient care. The integration of novel radiopharmaceuticals, hybrid imaging technologies, theranostics, and advanced instrumentation is reshaping the landscape of nuclear medicine and paving the way for more personalized and effective medical interventions.

Thesis Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDYNuclear medicine professionals provide diagnostic, evaluation, and therapeutic services to patients using knowledge of human anatomy and cellular biology. In 2002, 18.4 million nuclear medicine procedures were performed in 7,000 U.S. hospital and non-hospital provider sites, an increase from 16.8 million in 2001 [IMV, 2003]. Nuclear medicine imaging is a valuable tool for detecting pathology, for staging patient disease, and for selecting and evaluating treatment protocols. Nuclear Medicine is a synthesis field in medicine since the work requires understanding of basic and advanced principles of a variety of sciences including physics, biology, chemistry, and pharmacology. Using radiopharmaceuticals ingested by, inhaled by, or injected in a patient, nuclear medicine professionals can identify and stage disease processes. Studies are also performed to check organ function and hormone levels. Radiopharmaceuticals, which are produced from radionuclides (unstable atoms that emit radiation), are given to patients in very small quantities. Using a variety of gamma cameras (the type is determined by the kinds of images desired), the light emissions from the radioactive materials in the body are traced, measured, and located and images are produced for evaluation and diagnosis. Cellular process in the body enables the nuclear medicine professional to make accurate diagnosis of problem sites. Radiopharmaceuticals are metabolized at different rates by various kinds of cells in the body and in various organs. These tracers permit evaluation of the presence or absence of disease, the location of diseased tissue, and also about the efficacy of treatments that have been or might be initiated. Currently, there are over 100 nuclear medicine procedures with capability to image every major organ system. [About the USA, 2004]. Many radiopharmaceuticals have been developed as specific tracers to understand a particular organ or organ system. For instance, cardiac perfusion testing is done with thallium, technetium, or rubidium because the properties of these radioactive substances interact with body process to permit excellent cardiac imaging. Although some radiopharmaceuticals like technetium are utilized to image a number of organs/body systems, some tracers are quite specific/ particular. As an example, Indium is a very specific radionuclide that works well in detecting soft-tissue infection in the body [Taylor et al, 2004]. Gallium whose properties are non-specific to tumor tissue or to inflammation is excellent for imaging in patients with AIDS [Taylor et al, 2004].1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMIn some cases, multiple radiopharmaceuticals are used together to enhance or elaborate imaging in a patient. Dual isotope studies with Cardiolite and thallium measuring cardiac perfusion are an example of such applications. Nuclear medicine procedures may be performed almost immediately after ingestion/injection of the radiopharmaceutical or performed several days after depending on the half life and other properties of the radiopharmaceutical(s) being used. Nuclear Medicine imaging differs from diagnostic radiology in that it documents anatomic function and not just anatomy. Nuclear medicine provides real time images of cellular process and organ function permitting the diagnostician and the treating physician to understand patient disease. Although in Nigeria nuclear medicine has not really been utilized; it could be as a result of lack of equipments, lack of adequate funding and lack of professionals to really bring the latest trends in nuclear medicine in most of the Nigeria medical centers. Lastly there have been series of studies on nuclear medicine but not even a single study has been carry out on medicine and the trends in nuclear medicine.1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDYThe main aim of the research work is to examine nuclear medicine and the trends in nuclear medicine. Other specific objectives of the study are:to examine the evolution of nuclear medicine in Nigeriato investigate on the factors affecting the growth in trends of nuclear medicineto determine the issues in practice of nuclear medicine in Nigeriato determine the use of nuclear medicine in Nigeria medical centersto proffer solution to the above stated problems1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONSThe study came up with research questions so as to ascertain the above stated objectives of the study. The research questions for the study are:What is the evolution of nuclear medicine in Nigeria?What are the factors affecting the growth in trends of nuclear medicine?What are the issues in practice of nuclear medicine in Nigeria?What is the use of nuclear medicine in Nigeria medical centers?What is the way forward to the issues in nuclear medicine?1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESISHypothesis 1H0: the issues in practice of nuclear medicine in Nigeria is lowH1: the issues in practice of nuclear medicine in Nigeria is high1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDYThe study on nuclear medicine and the trends in nuclear medicine will be of immense benefit to the entire medical centers, and school of medicine in Nigeria. The study will also serve as a repository of information to other researchers that desire to carry out similar research on the above topic. Finally the study will contribute to the body of the existing literature on nuclear medicine and the trends in nuclear medicine.1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDYThe study will focus on nuclear medicine and the trends in nuclear medicine; looking at three medical centers that uses nuclear medicine in Nigeria.1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDYFinancial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMSNuclear medicine: the branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in research, diagnosis, and treatment.Radiology: Radiology is the medical specialty that uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases within the bodyX-ray: X-rays are a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves. X-ray imaging creates pictures of the inside of your body.