Cancer rates in younger Americans are silently rising. Hidden culprits like obesity and pandemic delays in screening have allowed more cases to slide by, progressing to dangerous stages.
But revolutionary radiopharmaceutical treatments, which work by delivering radiation therapy directly and specifically to cancer cells, bring new hope to clinics.
Types of Radiopharmaceutical Treatment
Radiopharmaceutical treatment involves using radioactive substances that emit radiation to specifically target and destroy tumor cells, minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissues. In contrast, chemotherapy uses chemical drugs to disrupt cell division, affecting both cancer cells and rapidly dividing normal cells throughout the body.These drugs combine radioactive isotopes with pharmaceuticals into radiotracers, molecules that bind to cancer cell surfaces.
1. Alpha-Emitting Radiopharmaceuticals
Alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals have emerged as a breakthrough in recent years. Alpha particles, with their size—relatively large subatomic particles—and energy, effectively kill cancer cells. Their limited penetration spares healthy tissues.2. PSMA-Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals
Another advancement in cancer treatment targets prostate cancer, the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of death among men in the United States, via prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein on the outside of prostate cancer cells.
3. Combination Therapy
Radiopharmaceuticals have also emerged as essential components of combination therapies. They are often paired with chemotherapy or immunotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy.4. Theranostics
Theranostics integrate diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy, with radiopharmaceuticals playing a central role. These radioactive agents help locate and characterize tumors, enabling precision treatment tailoring.Theranostics provide personalized approaches, optimizing therapy while minimizing side effects.
However, theranostics risks depend on factors like the radionuclide, treatment area, and dosage, Dr. Jennifer Yu, co-leader of the developmental therapeutics program at Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, told The Epoch Times.
“For radioactive iodine used in the management of certain types of thyroid cancer, patients can have side effects including swelling and tenderness of the neck and salivary glands, nausea, vomiting, altered taste,” Dr. Yu said. “There can be a small risk of irregular menses in women.” However, the risk of developing radiation-induced cancer or fertility issues is rare, she added.
How Safe Are Radiopharmaceuticals?
Radiopharmaceuticals can have adverse effects—including radiation-induced liver disease—typically when the radiation dose is not accurately determined, according to Dr. Medina. “Precise dosimetry based on tumor volume and other factors like the affected part of the body is crucial to minimize chances of any adverse effects,” he said.Inappropriately exposed areas face complications, too.
“For example, while treating liver cancer with radiopharmaceuticals, one must be cautious about avoiding shunting between liver and lungs or other surrounding areas, as that may lead to unnecessary radiation exposure, causing complications,” Dr. Medina added.
However, properly dosed radiopharmaceuticals safely and effectively eliminate tumors, he noted. Still, careful patient monitoring for several weeks post-treatment remains critical.
Important precautions must also be taken to avoid radiation exposure to others, Dr. Medina said.
Patients undergoing some radiopharmaceutical treatments may need a hospital stay for a few days after treatment, and some may need to use a separate bathroom for a period afterward to prevent others from being exposed to these powerful therapeutics, he noted.
Further research and trials could revolutionize cancer care—better controlling, managing, and even potentially curing this devastating disease.
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