Systemic treatment

Systemic treatment

Some cancers may be treated with a radioactive source called a radionuclide or radioisotope. These are given in tablet form or through an injection into your blood. Sometimes this is referred to as radioisotope treatment.

Because the radiation source is not sealed within an implant, you will have radioactivity in your body for a few days after treatment. You will be given advice on what safety precautions you need to take. For example, not kissing or having sex, flushing the toilet twice and washing hands well, using separate kitchen utensils and towels.