Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine is an advanced studies in medical field that uses radioactive molecule as an integral part to treat various diseases. It also includes the study of diagnosis of various diseases using radioactive substances. It also consists of study about advanced radiology from inside, which helps in precise diagnosis from the radioactive molecules emitting rays from inside, unlike X-ray which send rays from outside. The major difference between the above two is that nuclear and radioactive diagnosis maps the function instead of the anatomy. Most prevalent examples are Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, which are used to diagnosis diseases like cancer. The radioactive medicines used in the therapies emit radiations of short wavelength, thus travelling very short distance and therefore has minimum side effects. Thus it is safe for the patients as well as the doctors involved in the treatment process. The recent development are the introduction of new radio-pharmaceutical drugs for treatment of inflammation and autoimmune diseases. It is also getting its roots into the field of oncology. Improvement in the image processing has led to further development of nuclear imaging diagnosis. This field is the optimal for the students open to research as it has lots of area to be researched and explored. New molecular combinations tend to come into the medical field often opening chances for researchers.
This course aims at developing knowledge and skills in fields of consultation, diagnosis and treatment of various disease with the use of radioactive molecules. It is expected that all teaching, learning and assessment associated with the Nuclear Medicine Curriculum will be undertaken within the context of the specialist’s everyday clinical practice and will accommodate discipline-specific contexts and practices as required. The course will have theoretical, practical and clinical exposures. The syllabus contains radio-biology, radiation safety, quality control, bio-statistics, diagnostic nuclear medicine, cardiovascular and pulmonary nuclear medicine, endocrine nuclear medicine, gastrointestinal nuclear medicine, genitourinary nuclear medicine, in vitro nuclear techniques, infection and inflammation nuclear therapy, musculoskeletal and neurological nuclear medicine, evaluation of osteoporosis, oncological nuclear therapy, PET analysis, pediatric nuclear science, scientific node imaging, radionuclide therapy, hyperthyroidism therapy using I-131, thyroid cancer therapy, radionuclide synovectomy, Radiolabelled antibodies in haematological malignancy, Radionuclide treatment for bone metastases, I -131 MIBG therapy, Radiolabelled Peptide/Radioligand therapy, Intra-arterial therapy of liver primary cancer/metastatic disease. The students must submit a thesis at the end of two / three years of training as per the rules and regulations of NBE.
DM - Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine is postgraduate super speciality course for a period of 3 years for primary students and 2 years for secondary students. The course eligibility is MBBS and MD qualification along with clearance of entrance exams like PDCET. Upper age limit is 35 and may vary for different category. Candidates are selected based on centralized merit list and counselling, although some universities may offer private admission. DM - Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine can help getting placed in consultation, diagnosis or treatment in field of oncology, cardiology and neurology. Research opportunities are always open due to the need and vacancy in this field of medicine.