SEJARAH KEDOKTERAN NUKLIR 2 : Technological Advancements and Therapeutic Applications (1930-1950)

 The 1930s and 1940s were pivotal decades in the evolution of nuclear medicine, marked by significant technological advancements and practical applications. These years saw the development of critical tools and techniques that expanded the potential of nuclear medicine in both diagnostics and treatment.

Development of Cyclotrons (1930s)

• Ernest O. Lawrence’s Invention: The cyclotron, invented by physicist Ernest O. Lawrence in the 1930s, was groundbreaking. This device accelerated charged particles to high energies, enabling the bombardment of materials to produce artificial radionuclides.
• Impact on Radionuclide Production: Before the cyclotron, researchers relied on naturally occurring radionuclides, which were scarce and limited in variety. The cyclotron created a broader range of radionuclides, which were essential for expanding the capabilities of nuclear medicine, especially in diagnostics.

Radioiodine in Thyroid Studies (1930s)

• Saul Hertz’s Research: In the late 1930s, Dr. Saul Hertz, along with his colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital, conducted pioneering research using radioactive iodine. They explored its uptake in the thyroid gland, providing new insights into thyroid physiology.
• Therapeutic Application: This research led to the first therapeutic use of nuclear medicine. By the early 1940s, radioactive iodine was being used to treat hyperthyroidism and, later, thyroid cancer. This represented a major milestone in the application of radionuclides for disease treatment.

World War II and the Manhattan Project (1940s)

• Advancements in Nuclear Technology: The development of nuclear technology during World War II, particularly through the Manhattan Project, dramatically accelerated the understanding and capabilities surrounding nuclear reactions and radionuclide production.
• Post-War Benefits to Medicine: While the primary goal of these efforts was the development of nuclear weapons, the advancements had significant peacetime applications. Post-war, the technology and knowledge gained were redirected to peaceful uses, including medical research. This led to an increased availability of radionuclides and further innovation in nuclear medicine techniques.

SUMBER: https://openmedscience.com/history-of-nuclear-medicine-a-century-of-innovation-and-impact/