A radionuclide called Terbium-161 may soon be used as a new form of treatment for small tumors and metastasesTumor growths located at a location distinct from the initial site of cancer development. See the animation at ' metastasize '.. Radionuclide treatment typically involves injecting radioactiveSome elements (atoms) are not stable. The breakdown of these elements leads to the release of energy that is called radiation. The form of the energy (radiation) may differ between different unstable elements. Radiation from the breakdown of radioactive elements is damaging to cells and their genes. Cancer cells do not respond in a normal fashion to DNA damage and may be sensitive to killing by the radiation emitted from radioactive elements. elements, or nuclides, into a patient, which are then transported throughout the body to cancer cells. The elements then break down, releasing radiationIn cancer biology: A cancer treatment in which high energy beams are used to kill cancer cells. Radiation can also cause genetic damage that can lead to cancer. As an example, skin cancer is believed to be greatly increased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun., which can kill nearby cancer cells. The use of this new element is an advance over previusly used chemicals because it releases radiation that is less likely to damage nearby normal tissue and should be better at killing cancer cells.
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