Gamma emissions can be used for the sterilization of medical supplies like cotton, bandages, gloves used for surgery, syringes, burn dressings, etc. Radioactive chemical compounds help investigate a biological process or the functioning of an organ inside the human body. Currently over 300 radiopharmaceuticals are used for diagnosis. Diagnosis by nuclear imaging provides unique information on the performance of diverse organs, such as the heart, thyroid gland, kidneys, liver and the brain, and it also makes it possible to diagnose a wide range of tumours.
Radiotherapy is a medical specialty that uses ionizing radiation for the destruction of malignant tissue and tumours. Indeed, radiotherapy is a frontline therapy option for cancer treatment, along with chemotherapy.