Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA
Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals contain, among other ingredients, radioactive atoms that release high-energy types of radiation -such as alpha or beta particles with short range in tissue – which destroy or weaken unwanted cells or tissues, such as tumours or overactive thyroid cells.
Diagnostic and treatment processes share similarities, however treatment with radiopharmaceuticals focuses on delivering targeted radiation to specific cells, omitting the imaging step central to diagnostic use.
While the radiopharmaceutical is designed to make it travel inside the body without harming healthy tissues, the patient may need to undergo additional tests to monitor potential side effects of this kind of therapy, which is normally considered safe and well-tolerated.