How Nuclear Science Powers Modern Cancer Care: Recent Study

bpsinghamu
Aug 25
2 min read

186Pt and Friends

When we think about nuclear physics, the first images that often come to mind are reactors, accelerators, or maybe even stars, and sun producing energy. But did you know that the same science shaping our understanding of the universe is also revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and therapy? One of the most exciting examples of this is the theranostic potential of the radioisotope 186Pt, and its companions, 185Ir, 182Os, and 181Re.

The AMU Reaction Dynamics Group and IUAC’s Role

This achievement comes from the dedicated efforts of the Reaction Dynamics Research Group at the Physics Department, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), working in collaboration with the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi. Using the 15 UD Pelletron Accelerator at IUAC, we carried out heavy-ion induced reactions, a sophisticated approach that goes beyond conventional cyclotron or reactor-based production methods. This facility allowed precise beam control and high-resolution gamma-ray detection, enabling us to characterize medically important isotopes with great accuracy.

What Makes 186Pt Special?

Platinum already has a strong reputation in cancer treatment. Drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin are well-established chemotherapy agents, saving countless lives. Now, imagine combining the chemical toxicity of platinum drugs with the power of radioactive decay, that’s what 186Pt offers.

Here’s why it’s exciting:

Dual Role (Theranostics) – It can help doctors both diagnose cancer (through PET/SPECT imaging) and treat it (via targeted radiation).

Ideal Properties – 186Pt undergoes electron capture and β⁺ emission, releasing about 1380 keV energy, perfect for PET imaging. It also emits a strong gamma ray at 689.2 keV and has a half-life of around 2 hours, making it effective for precise, short-term treatments.

Our experiments used stacked-foil activation techniques and high-resolution gamma spectroscopy to measure production cross-sections and decay properties. With high-current Pelletron injectors, we can even scale up production for clinical quantities in the future.

What About the Other Isotopes?

185Ir: Linked to iridium-192, a workhorse in brachytherapy for prostate and cervical cancers.
182Os: Osmium-based compounds are under the spotlight for their cytotoxic effects in cancer research.
181Re: Similar to 186Re, widely recognized for bone pain palliation and liver cancer therapy.

These isotopes are not just theoretical. Radiolabeled therapeutic pharmaceuticals using such isotopes have already shown promise in clinical trials for tumors, bone metastasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even specialized heart treatments.

Why Does This Matter?

This research bridges fundamental nuclear physics and modern medicine. The collaborative work between AMU and IUAC demonstrates how national facilities like the Pelletron Accelerator can support theranostic isotope development, contributing to the healthcare ecosystem of India and beyond. By optimizing isotope production, we aim to make cutting-edge cancer treatments more accessible and affordable.

The future of nuclear science is not just in power plants or space—it’s in hospitals, fighting cancer and saving lives. Stay tuned, keep exploring wonders of Nuclear Science.... @Atomic Explorers.. Coming up soon more details..