This book provides detailed information on therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals and discusses emerging technologies that have the potential for broad clinical implementation. Recent advances in molecular biology, radiopharmaceutical chemistry, and radioisotope production have stimulated a new era for using radiopharmaceuticals for targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT). Emerging clinical trials include peptides and monoclonal antibodies radiolabeled with therapeutic radionuclides for cancer therapy. In addition, small molecules are used to treat chronic diseases such as metastatic bone pain palliation and radiation synovectomy of inflammatory joints. In the interventional arena, therapy of primary and metastatic liver cancer and arterial restenosis following angioplasty of both the coronary and peripheral arteries are being explored. Reactor and accelerator production of therapeutic radioisotopes are also integrated into these discussions. The development and use of radiopharmaceutical targeting characteristics required for the treatment of specific disease processes and how these are implemented for radiopharmaceutical design strategies are also described. Radiopharmaceuticals for Therapy will benefit audiences in nuclear medicine and radionuclide therapy. They will thus prove an invaluable source of up-to-date information for students, radiopharmaceutical scientists and professionals working in the radiopharmacy and atomic medicine specialties.
