Ruthenium as an important element in nuclear energy and cancer treatment

Appl Radiat Isot. 2020 Aug:162:109176. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109176. Epub 2020 Apr 9.

Abstract

Ruthenium belongs to the platinum group metals (PGMs) which include palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir) and rhodium (Rh). Radioactive isotopes of ruthenium are important elements related to the nuclear field. Ruthenium is one of the fission products in nuclear reactors and one of the troublesome nuclide in reprocessing process of the spent nuclear fuel (PUREX). The increased concentration of ruthenium-106 in the environment can be the result of accidents in nuclear power plants, spent nuclear fuel processing plants, or of nuclear tests. On the other hand, radioisotope of ruthenium Ru-106 is a drug that is successfully used in brachytherapy. In this paper we describe both sides of this element.

Keywords: Accident in nuclear power plants; Cancer therapy; Radioactive isotopes of ruthenium; Ruthenium; Spent nuclear fuel.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nuclear Energy*
  • Radioisotopes / chemistry*
  • Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*
  • Ruthenium / chemistry*
  • Ruthenium / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Radioisotopes
  • Ruthenium