Radionuclide Therapy: Radiation That Travels to the Tumor
Radionuclide (molecular) radiotherapy attaches a radioactive isotope to a molecule that seeks out cancer cells. Injected into the bloodstream, it delivers radiation systemically — reaching tumours in multiple sites, including bone. China offers a broad and fast-growing range of these therapies.
Key Radionuclide Therapies Discussed With International Patients
Lutetium-177 PSMA for Prostate Cancer
PSMA is a protein found on most prostate cancer cells. Lu-177 PSMA binds to it and delivers beta radiation directly to tumours — including metastatic deposits — while limiting damage to healthy tissue.
Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) for Neuroendocrine Tumours
Lu-177 DOTATATE targets somatostatin receptors over-expressed on most neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and delivers radiation selectively to those lesions.
Iodine-131 for Thyroid Cancer
The classic and highly effective targeted radiotherapy for differentiated thyroid cancer: iodine is absorbed by thyroid-derived cells, so the radioactivity concentrates where it is needed.
Radium-223 for Bone Metastases
Radium-223 mimics calcium and is taken up where bone is being remodelled by metastases, delivering short-range alpha radiation to tumour deposits in bone.
Emerging Alpha-Emitter Therapies
Alpha particles such as actinium-225 and lead-212 carry far higher energy over a very short range, offering highly targeted cell killing. These programmes are expanding rapidly worldwide, including in China.
Y-90 and Other Locoregional Radionuclides
Beyond Y-90 radioembolization for liver tumours, locoregional radionuclide approaches include iodine-125 seed implantation and other isotope-based minimally invasive techniques.
Why Radionuclide Therapy Matters
Systemic reach
Unlike external beam radiotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals travel through the body — able to treat multiple tumour sites, including bone, in a single course.
Precision targeting
The isotope is only effective where its carrier molecule accumulates, concentrating dose on tumour cells and limiting exposure of healthy organs.
Widely available in China
China has a substantial nuclear-medicine infrastructure and produces many key isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals domestically, supporting both approved and trial-based access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is radionuclide therapy given?
Most radiopharmaceuticals are given by intravenous infusion or injection, usually in repeated cycles (for example every 6–8 weeks). Some, like Y-90 for liver tumours, are delivered by catheter directly into the tumour's blood supply. Treatment is generally outpatient or with a short stay.
Do radiopharmaceuticals require special precautions?
Yes — after treatment there are normally radiation-safety instructions for a few days, such as limiting close contact with small children and pregnant women. The treating centre provides written guidance, which we translate for you.
What tests are needed before treatment?
Typically recent imaging (including PET-CT with an appropriate tracer), blood counts, kidney and liver function, and sometimes a dosimetry or receptor-imaging study to confirm the target is present.
Can radionuclide therapy be combined with other treatments?
Frequently yes — it is often combined with systemic therapy, external radiotherapy or surgery. The sequencing is decided by the treating multidisciplinary team.