Locoregional Radionuclide Cancer Therapy

This book reviews locoregional radionuclide cancer therapies (LRCT). Proving an increasingly viable alternative to radiotherapy, radionuclide therapy includes a diversity of choices of well characterized biochemical and physiologic target molecules. The delivery and retention of radionuclides may be monitored by advanced imaging for exact tissue localization and for real-time dosimetry to enable personalized precision medicine. Radiopharmaceuticals in human cancer therapies are typically delivered in systemic routes but can also be designed for locoregional routes to harness pharmacokinetic advantages of higher payload and lower systemic toxicities. This book thus explores the latest advancements and clinical considerations of the locoregional approach.

Throughout the chapters, the clinical and scientific bases of use of radionculides in humans are explored. Mathematical models of radiation dosimetry of locoregional radionculdies effects on tissues are studied using common models for multiple commercially available radionuclides. Rodent and canine tumor models of LRCT are compared for selected radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals and the human, clinical ramifications that come of these animal models are considered in depth. Unlike systemic administration of radionuclides, locoregional injections in animal tumor models indeed provide invaluable insights to clinical studies. The practical aspects of radiopharmaceuticals production, marketing, transport, as well as radiation protection are reviewed. Finally, the combination of LRCT with immunotherapy and other cancer therapies and prospective future use of LRCT are discussed.



This is an ideal guide for practicing nuclear physicians, interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, radiation scientists, veterinarians and oncologists to expand their knowledge base and to prepare for the design and use of locoregional radionuclide cancer therapies.