Radiolabeled nanomaterials for biomedical applications: radiopharmacy in the era of nanotechnology

Martha Sahylí Ortega Pijeira; Herlys Viltres; Jan Kozempel; Michal Sakmár; Martin Vlk; Derya İlem-Özdemir; Meliha Ekinci; Seshasai Srinivasan; Amin Reza Rajabzadeh; Eduardo Ricci-Junior; Luciana Magalhães Rebelo Alencar; Mohammed Al Qahtani; Ralph Santos-Oliveira

doi:10.1186/s41181-022-00161-4

Radiolabeled nanomaterials for biomedical applications: radiopharmacy in the era of nanotechnology

EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem. 2022 Apr 25;7(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s41181-022-00161-4.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmaceuticals and Synthesis of Novel Radiopharmaceuticals, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rua Helio de Almeida, 75, Ilha Do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941906, Brazil.
² School of Engineering Practice and Technology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
³ Department of Nuclear Chemistry, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Břehová 7, 11519, Prague 1, Czech Republic.
⁴ Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, 35040, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
⁵ School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21940000, Brazil.
⁶ Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Department of Physics, Federal University of Maranhão, Campus Bacanga, São Luís, Maranhão, 65080-805, Brazil.
⁷ Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceuticals Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
⁸ Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmaceuticals and Synthesis of Novel Radiopharmaceuticals, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rua Helio de Almeida, 75, Ilha Do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941906, Brazil. roliveira@ien.gov.br.
⁹ Laboratory of Radiopharmacy and Nanoradiopharmaceuticals, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 23070200, Brazil. roliveira@ien.gov.br.

Abstract

Background: Recent advances in nanotechnology have offered new hope for cancer detection, prevention, and treatment. Nanomedicine, a term for the application of nanotechnology in medical and health fields, uses nanoparticles for several applications such as imaging, diagnostic, targeted cancer therapy, drug and gene delivery, tissue engineering, and theranostics.

Results: Here, we overview the current state-of-the-art of radiolabeled nanoparticles for molecular imaging and radionuclide therapy. Nanostructured radiopharmaceuticals of technetium-99m, copper-64, lutetium-177, and radium-223 are discussed within the scope of this review article.

Conclusion: Nanoradiopharmaceuticals may lead to better development of theranostics inspired by ingenious delivery and imaging systems. Cancer nano-theranostics have the potential to lead the way to more specific and individualized cancer treatment.

Keywords: Copper-64; Lutetium-177; Molecular imaging; Radiolabeled nanoparticles; Radionuclide therapy; Radiopharmacy; Radium-223; Technetium-99m; Theranostics; Toxicity.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

Bolsa Produtividade 1B/cnpq