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Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Therapy

Targeted radionuclides for selective tumor cell destruction

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Therapy?

Radiopharmaceutical therapies pair radioactive isotopes with carriers that bind cancer specific target molecules to deliver radiation directly to tumor sites. Lutetium 177 PSMA also called vipivotide tetraxetan has FDA approval in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer and lutetium 177 DOTATATE trade name Lutathera is approved in neuroendocrine tumors.

Radium 223 provides survival benefit in osteoblastic bone metastases of prostate cancer. Iodine 131 is used in differentiated thyroid cancer, iodine 131 MIBG in neuroblastoma and yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan in refractory follicular lymphoma when standard regimens have failed.

Theranostics uses a single targeting molecule for both diagnosis with PET or SPECT imaging and therapy with beta or alpha emitting isotopes. PSMA PET CT imaging followed by lutetium 177 PSMA therapy is the most successful current example of the theranostic paradigm in clinical oncology.

Symptoms

Drug modality without specific symptoms
Nausea and bone marrow suppression
Dry mouth from salivary uptake
Transient pain flare with bone targeting
Renal monitoring required during therapy

Risk Factors

Bone marrow suppression with cytopenia risk
Renal impairment requiring dose adjustment
Salivary gland toxicity for PSMA and iodine
Pregnancy contraindication

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • In PSMA positive metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer
  • In advanced neuroendocrine tumor with somatostatin receptors
  • In differentiated thyroid cancer with iodine indication
  • In refractory follicular lymphoma after standard therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Lutetium 177 PSMA in mCRPC after VISION trial
02
Lutetium 177 DOTATATE in advanced NET after NETTER
03
Radium 223 in osteoblastic prostate metastases
04
Iodine 131 in thyroid cancer and MIBG in neuroblastoma
05
Yttrium 90 ibritumomab in refractory follicular lymphoma
06
Theranostic integration of imaging and therapy

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.