Radiopharmaceuticals for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy: New Targets, New Therapies-Alpha-Emitters, Novel Targets

Cancer J. 2024 May-Jun;30(3):218-223. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000720.

Abstract

Radiopharmaceutical therapy has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of various cancers. The exploration of novel targets such as tumor-specific antigens, overexpressed receptors, and intracellular biomolecules using antibodies, peptides, or small molecules has expanded the scope of radiopharmaceutical therapy, enabling precise and effective cancer treatment for an increasing number of tumor types. Alpha emitters, characterized by their high linear energy transfer and short path length, offer unique advantages in targeted therapy due to their potent cytotoxicity against cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This article reviews recent advancements in identifying novel targets for radiopharmaceutical therapy and applications in utilizing α-emitters for targeted treatment.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04939610 NCT03872778 NCT05870579 NCT05633160 NCT05283330 NCT05477576.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alpha Particles / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Radiopharmaceuticals* / therapeutic use

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04939610
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03872778
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05870579
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05633160
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05283330
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05477576