Chapter 10 - Nanotargeted radiopharmaceuticals for cancer diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Radiotherapy has been an important cancer-treatment modality, using deposition of a dose of energy in cancer cells followed by irradiation with energetic photons. Radiopharmaceuticals are a promising and expanding field in cancer therapy, particularly for early detection and diagnosis. The therapeutic worth and diagnostic quality of radiopharmaceuticals are determined by their selectivity towards tumors and characteristic radiation of radionuclides. Insufficient radionuclide deposition in the tumor often limits the efficacy of targeted radionuclide therapy with available targeting approaches such as peptides and monoclonal antibodies. To get a maximum therapeutic index with minimum side effects, the transit of radionuclides to the specific site with enough concentration at the right time is crucial. Investigation of targeted radiopharmaceuticals for effective cancer diagnosis and treatment has been a promising area for constructing of cancer nanomedicines. This chapter encompasses the targeted delivery of radiopharmaceuticals for improved cancer therapy and diagnosis. Nanotargeted radiopharmaceuticals for improving radionuclides tumor localization and retention, cancer hyperthermia treatment, and cancer diagnosis will be discussed in detail. The designing of multifunctional nanotargeted radiopharmaceuticals for simultaneous radiotherapy, chemotherapy, diagnosis, and monitoring of therapies will also be covered.