Targeted Alpha Therapy: Progress in Radionuclide Production, Radiochemistry, and Applications

Bryce J B Nelson; Jan D Andersson; Frank Wuest

doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13010049

Targeted Alpha Therapy: Progress in Radionuclide Production, Radiochemistry, and Applications

Pharmaceutics. 2020 Dec 31;13(1):49. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010049.

Authors

Bryce J B Nelson¹, Jan D Andersson^{1

2}, Frank Wuest¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, 11560 University Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada.
² Edmonton Radiopharmaceutical Center, Alberta Health Services, 11560 University Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada.

Abstract

This review outlines the accomplishments and potential developments of targeted alpha (α) particle therapy (TAT). It discusses the therapeutic advantages of the short and highly ionizing path of α-particle emissions; the ability of TAT to complement and provide superior efficacy over existing forms of radiotherapy; the physical decay properties and radiochemistry of common α-emitters, including ²²⁵Ac, ²¹³Bi, ²²⁴Ra, ²¹²Pb, ²²⁷Th, ²²³Ra, ²¹¹At, and ¹⁴⁹Tb; the production techniques and proper handling of α-emitters in a radiopharmacy; recent preclinical developments; ongoing and completed clinical trials; and an outlook on the future of TAT.

Keywords: actinium-225; alpha particle therapy; astatine-211; bismuth-213; radium-223; targeted alpha therapy; targeted radionuclide therapy; terbium-149; theranostics; thorium-227.

Publication types

Review