Researchers in the field of nuclear medicine are exploring the use of radiopharmaceuticals as a new form of cancer treatment. The radiopharmaceuticals combine radioactive isotopes with targeting agents to deliver radiation directly to tumors. These agents have "theranostic" properties, meaning they can be used for both imaging and treatment. Although radiopharmaceuticals have primarily been used for diagnostic purposes, recent success in treating neuroendocrine cancer and prostate cancer has sparked interest in their therapeutic potential. However, there is a shortage of suitable radioisotopes for cancer therapy. To address this, a $24 million grant has been awarded to a cross-Canada team to develop rare isotopes for cancer treatment. The team will research and integrate these isotopes into the healthcare system, working with chemists, clinical trial specialists, and health economists. Additionally, researchers are developing radiopharmaceuticals specifically for imaging and treating head and neck cancer recurrence and are making advances with radiolabelled nanomedicines that can target brain tumor cells. Overall, the field of radiopharmaceutical research is growing, with the potential to significantly impact patient outcomes.
Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:14:00 GMT | Mirage News