Radiopharmaceuticals, also known as radioligand therapies, are a groundbreaking class of drugs that use radioactive isotopes to target and treat cancer. These innovative therapies offer new hope for patients by providing more targeted and effective treatment options.

Radiopharmaceutical therapy, or RPT, is emerging as a potential next wave in cancer treatment. Offering a precision approach to patient care, RPT allows physicians to deliver radioisotopes in a highly targeted way directly to tumors. The radioisotopes can be used either as a useful diagnostic tool, to help image the precise location of the tumors, or to kill cancer cells.

When considering radiopharmaceutical therapies for cancer treatment, it is crucial for patients to engage in meaningful discussions with their healthcare teams. Asking the right questions can help understand what to expect during treatment.

In December 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two treatments,Casgevy and Lyfgenia, representing the first cell-based gene therapies for the treatmentof sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients 12 years and older.