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Radiopharmaceuticals in Cancer Treatment

Targeted radioactive drugs that deliver precise radiation to tumor cells

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 Radiopharmaceuticals in Cancer Treatment?

Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are radiolabeled compounds that bind to tumor-specific receptors or molecules and deliver localized radiation directly to cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissue. They combine the targeting advantages of nuclear medicine with the cytotoxicity of radiation.

Established applications include radioiodine for differentiated thyroid cancer, radium-223 for bone-metastatic prostate cancer, lutetium-177 DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumors, and lutetium-177 PSMA-617 for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Many new agents based on alpha-emitting actinium-225, targeted antibodies, peptides, and small molecules are entering clinical trials for solid and hematologic cancers. Treatment requires close coordination between oncology, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety teams.

Symptoms

Given as intravenous infusions in dedicated nuclear medicine units
May cause fatigue, nausea, or transient cytopenias
Bone marrow and renal monitoring are required
Treatment delivered in cycles over months
Imaging with PET or SPECT used for response assessment

Risk Factors

Tumors expressing the relevant target receptor
Adequate bone marrow and renal function
Centers with nuclear medicine and oncology expertise
Compliance with radiation safety precautions
Trial enrollment for novel agents

When to See a Doctor?

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

  • When standard hormonal or chemotherapy is exhausted
  • When neuroendocrine tumor receptor imaging is positive
  • When PSMA imaging confirms metastatic prostate cancer
  • When bone metastases dominate the disease
  • Before treatment to discuss safety precautions

Treatment Methods

01
Radioiodine for differentiated thyroid cancer
02
Radium-223 for symptomatic bone-metastatic prostate cancer
03
Lutetium-177 DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumors
04
Lutetium-177 PSMA-617 for metastatic prostate cancer
05
Alpha-emitter actinium-225 PSMA in trials
06
Renal protection and nephroprotection during therapy
07
Long-term hematologic and renal monitoring

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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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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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.