Radiopharmaceuticals

Radiopharmaceuticals are a unique class of drugs that can deliver radiation directly—and specifically—to cancerous cells. The drugs consist of three main building blocks: (1) a radioactive molecule, (2) a targeting molecule that recognizes and latches onto cancer cells and (3) a linker that joins the two.

Although radiopharmacology is a subspecialty of radiation therapy, federal regulations require that the drugs be administered by a nuclear medicine specialist. After being delivered orally (swallowed in pill form) or intravenously (injected into a vein), radiopharmaceuticals can make their way into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body to target and destroy widespread cancer cells.

How are radiopharmaceuticals used to diagnose cancer?

Also known as “tracers,” diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals contain a small amount of radioactive isotopes that emit low-level gamma rays or positrons. Once inside the body, the radiation can be detected by special imaging equipment, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanners. In fact, some radiopharmaceuticals are re-engineered versions of existing compounds used for nuclear imaging.

After radiopharmaceuticals enter the bloodstream, the medications will travel throughout the body and accumulate in areas of high metabolic activity, such as tumor sites with rapidly dividing cancer cells. The emitted radiation can be captured by a PET or SPECT scanner, which will produce detailed images that can help a physician identify the location, size and extent of cancerous tissues. As such, radiopharmaceuticals can aid in the cancer diagnostic and staging process.

How are radiopharmaceuticals used to treat cancer?

Radiopharmaceuticals can also be used to treat cancer by delivering targeted radiation directly to a tumor. After entering the bloodstream, the radioactive compounds will disperse throughout the body, build up in areas of high metabolic activity and emit radiation. The radiation can damage the DNA of rapidly dividing cancer cells, inhibiting their ability to grow and ultimately destroying them.

Radiopharmacology is a highly targeted treatment approach that allows for the delivery of high doses of radiation directly to a tumor while minimizing any damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. As a systemic treatment, radiopharmaceuticals can be particularly useful in treating cancerous cells that have spread throughout the body.

What are the risks and possible complications of radiopharmaceuticals?

The most common side effect of radiopharmaceuticals is an allergic reaction, which may occur immediately or shortly after the medication is administered. If needed, a healthcare professional can provide medical attention right away.

Other possible side effects of radiopharmaceuticals include:

• Fever and chills
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe drowsiness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Skin flushing, redness, itching, rash or hives
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the throat, hands or feet

How effective are radiopharmaceuticals in diagnosing cancer?

By facilitating the creation of precise and detailed images of cancerous tissues, radiopharmaceuticals can be highly effective in helping a physician diagnose and stage a tumor. These medications can also promote the early detection of cancer by highlighting areas of high metabolic activity within the body.

How effective are radiopharmaceuticals in treating cancer?

Often used in combination with other therapies, such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy, radiopharmaceuticals can enhance the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment. The outcome can vary depending on the type of cancer, the stage at which treatment is initiated and individual patient factors. For instance, radiopharmaceuticals have demonstrated good results in treating prostate cancer with bone metastases and certain types of thyroid cancer. Overall, these innovative medications represent a potent treatment option, particularly for metastatic cancers that are challenging to treat with conventional therapies alone.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The emergence of advanced radiopharmaceuticals has ushered in a groundbreaking era in nuclear medicine characterized by significant progress in molecular design and delivery approaches. Moffitt is proud to be firmly positioned on the leading edge of oncology medicine, and we are one of the highest-volume cancer centers in the nation. Our nuclear medicine specialists have extensive expertise in utilizing radiopharmaceuticals for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

If you would like to learn more about radiopharmaceuticals, you can request an appointment with a specialist in our Radiation Oncology Program by calling 1-888-663-3488  or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.