Carrier Systems of Radiopharmaceuticals and Their Application in Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) is emerging as a promising modality of treatment for tumor. RPT combines the specificity of carrier-based tumor localization with the cell killing properties of ionizing radiation. The carrier system of radiopharmaceuticals can precisely locate, guide radionuclides to the target, where radionuclides kill surrounding tumor cells by releasing ionizing particles. The effective application of radionuclides depends on the selection of an appropriate carrier system. Based on this, this paper firstly introduces therapeutic radionuclides and carrier systems for radiopharmaceuticals. Subsequently, we summarize common antibodies and antibody fragments used in radiopharmaceutical development, and outline the application of radiolabeled antibodies in cancer therapy, including lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. Furthermore, we review peptides employed as carrier systems, with emphasis given to the application of radiolabeled peptides in cancer therapy, including neuroendocrine neoplasms, prostate cancer, and glioma. Finally, we outline nanoparticles and other carrier systems that can be employed for targeted delivery of radionuclides, including nucleic acids, small molecules, and microspheres. Thus, this review will contribute to provide reference for the understanding carrier systems of radiopharmaceuticals, and further design better carrier systems to enhance efficacy and safety of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer therapy. Keywords: Radiopharmaceuticals, Carrier systems, Therapeutic radionuclides, Tumor, Targeted therapy, Applicationjournal articl