Alpha-emitting Radionuclides: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The use of radionuclides for targeted endoradiotherapy is a rapidly growing field in oncology. In particular, the focus on the biological effects of different radiation qualities is an important factor in understanding and implementing new therapies. Together with the combined approach of imaging and therapy, therapeutic nuclear medicine has made great progress recently. A par-ticular area of research is the use of alpha-emitting radionuclides, which have unique physical properties associated with outstanding advantages, e.g. for single tumor cell targeting. Here, recent results and open questions regarding the production of alpha-emitting isotopes, their chemical combination with carrier molecules and clinical experience from compassionate use reports and clinical trials are discussed.