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Got Tumors? We are here to help. Holmium-166 emits high-energy beta radiation that has been proven to treat tumors of the liver.

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Bones-R-Us Radiology Urges You To Learn More About Holmium-166

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Bones-R-Us Radiology Urges You To Learn More About Holmium-166

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Holmium-166 has a half life of 26.8 days. The Decay Structure is pictured above. This decay is what emits the beta (and gamma) particles that help to treat these tumors.  This short half life can make this isotope of Holmium hard to maintain. After only a day, it can lose half of its radioactivity. Logistically, this makes this isotope difficult to transport and maintain efficiently. However, our department, like many, can deliver it quickly, with hassle-free efficiency. This speedy decay also makes for quick treatment with large, helpful doses.

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Holmium-166 undergoes beta decay, decaying into Erbium-166. The beta particles emitted from this decay are greatly effective in the elimination of malignant tumors in the body, especially those in the liver. There are multiple ways in which this can occur.

Method 1: The Radioactive Compound is injected directly into the tumor. According to clinical studies regarding this method, a significant reduction in the volume of tumors in the group tested was noted compared to the control group. Overall, a majority of patients have seen a reduction in tumor size, and have responded in a positive manner.

Method 2: Ceramic Materials
In this method, a ceramic material containing this radioactive compound is inserted into the tumor. This Ceramic compound is then homogenized inside of the tumor, and the radioactivity works to reduce the size of the tumor. This method could be useful due to convinience (not having to remove the ceramic afterwards), and the high dosage in a small size. As well, tests done on brain and animal tissue indicate no negative side effects.

Method 3: Microspheres
A small sample of the compound is modified on the surface for this specific purpose. This is a less studied method, but through tests on tissues and animal tissues, it has been seen to treat tumors to a slight degree. (The effects were reduced due to the smaller dosage)

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Nope, no catches. Holmium-166 can perform these acts with little to no risk. There are no dangerous steps required to purify the chemicals, there are no known dangerous side effects or reactions, just results. This isotope provides the medical world with much hope, as it has served to treat malignant tumors on the liver well, no matter which applications were applied.

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Incredibly, it does get better. Not only does Holmium serve this incredibly useful purpose, but it serves many more as well!

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During decay, Holmium-166 happens to emit gamma radiation as well as the beta radiation. Conveniently, these gamma rays are a crucial part to MRI and SPECT scans. So, Holmium-166 can be used for both the scan to find the point of treatment, and the treatment itself.

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Finally, Holmium-166 has been used to treat inflammation of the joints related to conditions like Arthritis, Gout, and Lupus. It has also been applied in a surgical setting to help treat these symptoms.

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Overall, Holmium-166 is a fantastic treatment options for any of the issues listed before. If you have a tumor of the liver, Holmium can serve as a low risk, high result solution whether taken directly into the tumor or intravenously. Studies have shown nothing but promise and success.

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Klaassen, Nienke J. M., et al. “The Various Therapeutic Applications of the Medical Isotope Holmium-166: A Narrative Review.” EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry, vol. 4, no. 1, 5 Aug. 2019, 10.1186/s41181-019-0066-3.

tres.nl, TRES-. “Holmium 166 (Mo-166) - Advancing Nuclear Medicine.” Www.advancingnuclearmedicine.com, www.advancingnuclearmedicine.com/en/products/holmium-166.

Koslin, M. G., and J. C. Martin. “The Use of the Holmium Laser for Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopic Surgery.” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Official Journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, vol. 51, no. 2, 1 Feb. 1993, pp. 122–123; discussion 123-124, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8426250/, 10.1016/s0278-2391(10)80005-9. Accessed 7 Oct. 2021.