What Are Radiopharmaceuticals?
Radiopharmaceuticals are specialized medications that contain a small, carefully controlled amount of radiation. Unlike traditional radiation therapy delivered from outside the body, radiopharmaceuticals travel through the bloodstream to target specific cells, tissues, or organs.
They are used to:
- Detect disease with highly detailed imaging
- Treat cancer by delivering radiation directly to tumor cells
Because they are designed to seek out specific targets in the body, they allow for a highly personalized approach to care.
How Do Radiopharmaceuticals Work?
Radiopharmaceuticals are typically given by mouth or through an intravenous (IV) infusion. Once in the body, they circulate in the bloodstream and attach to specific proteins or receptors on cells.
There are two main types:
Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals (Radiotracers)
Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals help physicians locate and measure disease. After the medicine is administered, imaging scans detect the small amount of radiation emitted, allowing doctors to see exactly where cancer or other abnormalities are located.
This helps your care team:
- Detect cancer earlier
- Determine the extent of disease
- Monitor how well treatment is working
Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals
Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are designed to treat cancer. These medications bind to specific receptors on tumor cells and deliver radiation directly to them — minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Common FDA-approved therapies include:
- Pluvicto – for certain types of advanced prostate cancer
- Xofigo – for prostate cancer that has spread to the bones
- Lutathera – for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
In addition, many promising new radiopharmaceutical therapies are currently in development and available through clinical trials at RMCC.
Benefits of Radiopharmaceutical Treatment
Radiopharmaceutical treatment offers several important advantages:
- Precision Targeting: Designed to seek out cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy tissue.
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Proven Effectiveness: Certain therapies have been shown to help some patients live longer and improve disease control.
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Symptom Relief: May reduce pain and other cancer-related symptoms, improving quality of life.
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Convenience: Many treatments are given on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.
Are Radiopharmaceuticals Safe?
Yes. Radiopharmaceuticals are thoroughly tested and approved for clinical use. They are administered in carefully calculated doses by trained oncology specialists.
Your care team will monitor you before, during, and after treatment to ensure safety and manage any potential side effects. As with any therapy, side effects can occur and vary depending on the specific medication. Your physician will review the risks and benefits with you so you can make an informed decision.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for radiopharmaceutical therapy varies by plan. Our financial counseling team is here to help you:
- Verify your insurance benefits
- Understand your out-of-pocket costs
- Explore financial assistance or payment options
We are committed to helping patients access the care they need.
