Radiopharmaceuticals
How do radiopharmaceuticals work?
Radiopharmaceuticals are medical drugs that contain radioactive chemical elements called radioisotopes. The application of radiopharmaceuticals varies depending on the organ being imaged or treated. Cutting-edge radiopharmaceutical clinical trials, especially for prostate cancer, continue to pave the way for a more precise and innovative approach to cancer treatment, targeting radiation directly to cancer cells at the cellular level. Benefits can include fewer side effects, symptom relief for pain caused by tumors, longer periods between recurring cancer, and can be used in combination with other varying treatments based on a patient's unique needs. Radiopharmaceuticals have shown promise in treating cancers like prostate cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and leukemia. Patients are encouraged to contact their care team to best determine if this treatment will work for them.
Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals
Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals allow your care team to take images of your organs and tissues to ensure that they are functioning, as well as highlight areas of concern.
Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals
Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals deliver a very strong radiation that seeks out and destroys cancer cells from within by administering radiation therapy directly to them. Cancer Care Specialists is proud to lead the way in offering cutting-edge radiopharmaceutical therapy in Northern Nevada.
Lutathera
Lutathera® (Lu 177 dotatate) is a radiopharmaceutical used to treat certain neuroendocrine tumors. It works by attaching to specific receptors found on cancer cells. Once absorbed into the cell, Lutathera delivers targeted radiation directly to the tumor, helping damage cancer cells while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Cancer Care Specialists is proud to offer this advanced treatment option to eligible patients in Northern Nevada.
Pluvicto
Pluvicto® (Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is a targeted radiopharmaceutical used to treat certain advanced prostate cancers. It binds to Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), a protein commonly found on prostate cancer cells. After being absorbed into the cell, Pluvicto delivers radiation directly to the cancer, helping damage and destroy tumor cells while minimizing effects on nearby healthy tissue.
Xofigo
Xofigo® (radium Ra 223 dichloride) is a radiopharmaceutical used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. It works by targeting areas of increased bone activity where cancer is present and delivers radiation directly to those sites. This targeted approach can help damage cancer cells in the bone while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
I-131 Therapy
Iodine-131 (I-131) therapy is a radiopharmaceutical treatment commonly used for certain thyroid conditions, including thyroid cancer. Because thyroid cells naturally absorb iodine, I-131 can deliver targeted radiation directly to thyroid tissue and cancer cells. This helps destroy remaining thyroid cells after surgery and can be an effective treatment option for certain patients with thyroid cancer.
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