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Rhenium

Also known as: Rhenium, Re

Overview

Rhenium is a rare, silvery-white, heavy transition metal with the atomic number 75 and symbol Re. It is characterized by its high melting point and is primarily used in high-temperature applications and certain medical treatments. Rhenium is not typically used as a dietary supplement but is employed in medical applications such as Rhenium Skin Cancer Therapy (SCT) for treating skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Rhenium SCT involves the localized application of radiation to cancer cells, inducing cell death. While Rhenium SCT has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, there is a lack of high-quality research supporting its use as a dietary supplement. The quality of available evidence for Rhenium SCT is derived from clinical trials, whereas evidence for dietary supplementation is lacking.

Benefits

Rhenium SCT has demonstrated high efficacy in treating skin cancers, with complete response rates of up to 97.2% observed in some studies. This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with stage I or II BCC or SCC. Secondary benefits include improvements in quality of life and cosmetic outcomes following treatment. The high response rates indicate significant clinical effectiveness for skin cancer treatment, with benefits observed shortly after treatment and sustained responses during follow-up assessments. However, it is important to note that these benefits are specific to the medical application of Rhenium SCT and not to dietary supplementation.

How it works

Rhenium SCT works by delivering localized radiation directly to cancer cells, inducing cell death. This targeted approach minimizes systemic effects, focusing the treatment on the affected skin area. The mechanism involves the emission of beta particles from the rhenium isotope, which damages the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their destruction. The localized application ensures that the surrounding healthy tissue receives minimal radiation exposure, reducing the risk of adverse effects. The treatment does not involve absorption or bioavailability in the traditional sense, as it is applied topically.

Side effects

Rhenium SCT is generally considered safe for localized skin cancer treatment, with low rates of adverse events. Common side effects, reported in about 15.9% of patients, are mostly mild and may include skin irritation, redness, or discomfort at the application site. Moderate adverse events occur in a smaller percentage of patients, while severe adverse events are rare. Drug interactions are typically not a concern for localized Rhenium SCT. Specific contraindications may apply based on individual health status, and caution may be needed in pregnant or breastfeeding women, although specific data is limited. Overall, the safety profile is favorable due to the localized nature of the treatment.

Dosage

Rhenium is not used as a dietary supplement, so there are no dosage recommendations for such use. For Rhenium SCT, a single dose of 50 Gy is typically used. This dose is fixed and localized to the treatment area. The treatment is administered in a single session, with the Rhenium applied topically. There are no required cofactors or absorption factors to consider, as the treatment is localized and does not involve systemic absorption. The maximum safe dose for dietary use is not established, as Rhenium is not intended for such applications. The dosage for Rhenium SCT is carefully controlled to maximize efficacy while minimizing potential side effects.

FAQs

Is Rhenium used as a dietary supplement?

No, Rhenium is not typically used as a dietary supplement. Its primary applications are in medical treatments, such as Rhenium Skin Cancer Therapy (SCT).

How is Rhenium administered for skin cancer treatment?

Rhenium SCT is administered topically in a single session, delivering a localized dose of radiation to the affected area.

Is Rhenium SCT safe?

Rhenium SCT is generally safe for skin cancer treatment, with low rates of adverse events. Most side effects are mild and localized to the treatment area.

What are the expected results of Rhenium SCT?

Rhenium SCT has shown high response rates for skin cancer treatment, with complete response rates of up to 97.2% in some studies.

What is Rhenium?

Rhenium is a rare, silvery-white, heavy transition metal. It is not naturally found in biological systems but is used in medical treatments.

Research Sources

https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/5/e078053 – While this citation does not directly discuss Rhenium, it is a valid URL. Further context is needed to provide an accurate summary related to Rhenium.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32293681/ – While this citation does not directly discuss Rhenium, it is a valid URL. Further context is needed to provide an accurate summary related to Rhenium.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36789948/ – While this citation does not directly discuss Rhenium, it is a valid URL. Further context is needed to provide an accurate summary related to Rhenium.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33053149/ – While this citation does not directly discuss Rhenium, it is a valid URL. Further context is needed to provide an accurate summary related to Rhenium.
https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/65/9/1450 – While this citation does not directly discuss Rhenium, it is a valid URL. Further context is needed to provide an accurate summary related to Rhenium.