Theranostic Nuclear Medicine with Gallium-68, Lutetium-177, Copper-64/67, Actinium-225, and Lead-212/203 Radionuclides

Abstract

Molecular changes in malignant tissue can lead to an increase in the expression levels of various proteins or receptors that can be used to target the disease. In oncology, diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy of tumors is possible by attaching an appropriate radionuclide to molecules that selectively bind to these target proteins. The term “theranostics” describes the use of a diagnostic tool to predict the efficacy of a therapeutic option. Molecules radiolabeled with γ-emitting or β+-emitting radionuclides can be used for diagnostic imaging using single photon emission computed tomography or positron emission tomography. Radionuclide therapy of disease sites is possible with either α-, β-, ..