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Targeted Radionuclide Therapy

Overview

Targeted Radionuclide Therapy (TRT) is an advanced cancer treatment that uses radioactive substances to deliver radiation directly to tumour cells. TRT is beneficial for tumours that have metastasised to multiple places in the body or those not responsive to chemotherapy or standard systemic therapies. Unlike conventional radiotherapy, which can damage surrounding healthy tissues due to high radiation doses over multiple sessions, TRT allows for the treatment of cancer cells throughout the body with a single dose. TRT uses special molecules that specifically bind to cancer cells, ensuring precise targeting, reducing the side effects with minimal radiation exposure, and offering a superior safety profile. 

TRT is useful for patients whose cancers are spread to multiple areas or are not responding to standard treatments. Some conditions treated include:

  • Thyroid cancer, treated with I-131 therapy after surgery or for spread disease
  • Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, treated with radionuclide therapy using Lu177 PSMA and targeted alpha therapy using Actinium 225 PSMA.
  • Neuroendocrine tumours, treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) using Lu177 or Ac225 DOTATATE.
  • Neuroblastomas, phaeochromocytomas, and other cancers, treated with I-131mIBG therapy.
  • Emerging cancers with newer therapies such as FAPI-based TRT. 

TRT leverages the unique overexpression of specific receptors or biomolecules on cancer cells. 

  • A PET-CT or similar scan is done to check if the tumour has the right target receptors.
  • Radioactive particles (such as Beta or Alpha particles) are tagged to specific conjugates that bind directly to the cancer cell targets.
  • Once injected into the bloodstream, this combination travels to the cancer site and attaches to the tumour.
  • These radionuclides then deliver targeted radiation to the tumour over several days, having a micrometre to millimetre range. This focused radiation impacts cancer cells precisely, sparing nearby healthy tissues.

TRT is usually given as an outpatient or short-stay procedure. The injection and monitoring may take a few hours on the day of therapy.

  • Most patients can return to normal activities within 1–2 days.
  • Drink plenty of fluids after the procedure to help flush the radioactive material from the body.
  • Avoid close contact with young children and pregnant women for a few days, depending on the type of TRT.

Disclaimer:

The information in this Health Library is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or before starting any treatment. Use of this site and its content does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. In case of a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or visit the nearest emergency facility immediately.