Radiopharmaceutical Therapy

Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) is a treatment that uses a small amount of radioactive medicine given by vein (IV) or by mouth. RPT can be used to treat cancer. The medicine goes through the body, attaches to the cancer cells, and destroys them. By attaching to only cancer cells, it limits the damage done to your healthy cells. This treatment is a targeted therapy used to treat cancer, including when the cancer has spread (metastasized), especially to the bones. RPT can help shrink the size of the cancer and reduce symptoms like pain.

Some radiopharmaceutical medications are:

• I-I31Radioactive Iodine: Used to treat thyroid cancer. 
• Pluvicto: used to treat metastatic prostate cancer.
• Lutathera: used for neuroendocrine cancer in adults and children.
• Xofigo: used to treat metastatic prostate cancer.

What to expect when having RPT

This treatment is given by nuclear medicine specialists. They have special training in how to give these medications and safety precautions. Review and follow all instructions given to you at your center.

You will need to follow safety guidelines after RPT to protect yourself and the people you live with. Your team will let you know how long to practice these safety guidelines.

These may be:

• Not providing hands-on caregiving to infants, children, elders, and pets living in your home. You will need to have someone else provide these caregiving tasks.
• Sleeping alone.
• Showering daily allowing the water to run for a few minutes.
• Don’t share towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, or other personal items.
• After using the toilet, flush twice. Use a tissue or wipe or clean up any urine on the seat. It’s okay to flush toilet paper.
• Men should sit when urinating.
• Wash clothing separately from others in your household.
• Wash your hands often and then wipe out the sink.
• Don’t share plates, cups, bowls, utensils, food or drinks.
• Don’t handle food that will be eaten by someone else.
• No kissing, sex, or other intimate contact.
• If you go to the hospital, urgent care, emergency room, or clinic, let them know you had RPT.

What are some of the side effects of RPT?

Side effects can be things like fatigue, nausea, and changes in your blood counts. Be sure to talk with your provider about any symptoms you are having during or after treatment.

RPT is becoming more common in the treatment of cancer and more of these treatments are being developed. Talk to your provider to see if RPT may be an option for you.