These are radioisotopes that emit particles capable of destroying cancer cells and reducing tumors. Researchers throughout the United States are now assessing yttrium-90 for use in treating many types of cancers. Together, these cancers are diagnosed in an estimated 210,000 people each year.
Monoclonal antibodies target malignant cells for diagnosis and treatment.
Alpha particles have a smaller range than beta particles, so the radiation they emit is delivered to cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. The successful use of alpha-emitters for cancer therapy depends on the identification of a homing material for each type of cancer to be treated. Chemical processes that can attach an alpha-emitter to the desired homing material also must be found. All three have been successfully linked to a homing material. Pre-clinical trial results have been promising.