What are Radiopharmaceuticals
Radiopharmaceuticals are drugs containing a radioactive substance (a radioisotope) used for diagnosing and treating cancer.
They are used to create detailed images of organs and tissues, and can also be used to deliver radiation directly to cancerous tumors to shrink or destroy them.
Diagnostics
Use low dose radioisotopes which allow physicians to see and measure disease within the body, via imaging.
Therapeutics
Use high energy radioisotopes to treat malignant tumours.
Theranostics
Therapeutics + Diagnostics = Theranostics.
Some radiopharmaceuticals can be used for both diagnosis and treatment. They first image a tumor and then treat it.
How Radiopharmaceuticals Work?
The process involves attaching a radioisotope to a targeting agent such as a small molecule or antibody.
Step 1
Radiopharmaceuticals are typically administered intravenously and are designed to selectively target specific areas in the body, such as tumors, organs, or areas of high metabolic activity.
Step 2
Once in the body, the radioisotope undergoes radioactive decay, emitting radiation for diagnostic, therapeutic or combined purposes.
Step 3
Radiotherapeutics use high-energy radiation to destroy or weaken cells or tissues. This radiation damages the DNA of the targeted cells, leading to cell death or reduced activity.
