State of the art and future perspectives of new radionuclides in Nuclear Medicine. Part II

Abstract

The state of the art and future perspectives of new radionuclides in Nuclear Medicine continue to evolve, driven by the development of isotopes with innovative applications in theragnostics. In this second part of the continuing education series, the clinical and therapeutic applications of terbium, actinium, and bismuth are analyzed in depth. The use of the four terbium isotopes (terbium-149, terbium-152, terbium-155, and terbium-161) is described, offering a versatile system for both diagnosis and treatment due to their chemical similarity to lutetium-177, along with the challenges related to their production and availability. Additionally, actinium-225, a powerful alpha-emitting radionuclide, is reviewed for its growing role in Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), particularly in prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. Finally, bismuth-213, derived from actinium-225, is analyzed for its short half-life, making it a viable option for localized and selective therapies. Despite technical and production challenges, these radionuclides are driving the evolution of precision medicine, expanding therapeutic and diagnostic possibilities in Nuclear Medicine.

Keywords: Actinio; Actinium; Bismuth; Bismuto; Radionuclides; Radionúclidos; Targeted alpha therapy; Teragnosis; Terapia alfa dirigida; Terbio; Terbium; Theragnostics.