α-Emitters for Radiotherapy: From Basic Radiochemistry to Clinical Studies-Part 2.

The use of radioactive sources to deliver cytotoxic ionizing radiation to disease sites dates back to the early 20th century, with the discovery of radium and its physiologic effects. α-emitters are of particular interest in the field of clinical oncology for radiotherapy applications. The first part of this review explored the basic radiochemistry, high cell-killing potency, and availability of α-emitting radionuclides, together with hurdles such as radiolabeling methods and daughter redistribution. The second part of this review will give an overview of the most promising and current uses of α-emitters in preclinical and clinical studies.