Radioimmunotherapy, also known as systemic targeted radiation therapy, uses antibodies, antibody fragments, or compounds as carriers to guide radiation to the targets. It is a topic rapidly increasing in importance and success in treatment of cancer patients. This book represents a comprehensive amalgamation of the radiation physics, chemistry, radiobiology, tumor models, and clinical data for targeted radionuclide therapy. It outlines the current challenges and provides a glimpse at future directions. With significant advances in cell biology and molecular engineering, many targeting constructs are now available that will safely deliver these highly cytotoxic radionuclides in a targeted fashion. A companion website includes the full text and an image bank.

This book provides detailed information on therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals and discusses emerging technologies which have potential for broad clinical implementation. Recent advances in molecular biology, radiopharmaceutical chemistry and radioisotope production have stimulated a new era for the use of radiopharmaceuticals for targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT). Emerging clinical trials include use of peptides and monoclonal antibodies radiolabeled with therapeutic radionuclides for cancer therapy. In addition, small molecules are used for the treatment of 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 is also integrated into these discussions. The development and use of radiopharmaceutical targeting characteristics required for 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 and will thus prove an invaluable source of up-to-date information for students, radiopharmaceutical scientists and professionals working in the radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine specialties.

The recent revolution in molecular biology offers exciting new opportunities for targeted radionuclide therapy. This up-to-date, comprehensive book, written by world-renowned experts, discusses the basic principles of radionuclide therapy, explores in detail the available treatments, explains the regulatory requirements, and examines likely future developments. The full range of clinical applications is considered, including thyroid cancer, hematological malignancies, brain tumors, liver cancer, bone and joint disease, and neuroendocrine tumors. The combination of theoretical background and practical information will provide the reader with all the knowledge required to administer radionuclide therapy safely and effectively in the individual patient. Careful attention is also paid to the role of the therapeutic nuclear physician in coordinating a diverse multidisciplinary team, which is central to the safe provision of treatment.