Alpha-Pharmaceuticals
When targeted appropriately, alpha-particle emitters offer the potential to deliver potent and localized destruction of cancer cells with minimal effect on surrounding normal cells. These properties of alpha-pharmaceuticals are also expected to mean they will be well-tolerated and convenient to use.
Alpha-pharmaceuticals in bone metastases:
Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons that are emitted from radionuclides. The key characteristics making them attractive for development as alpha-pharmaceuticals are as follows:
Extremely potent tumor and localized cell killing
- Effective range of <0.1mm or 2-10 cell diameters
- High ionizing energy that induces irreparable double-stranded DNA breaks
- Single DNA hit may be lethal for cancer cell
- Effective against chemo- and radio-resistant phenotypes
Potential to minimize side effects
- Specific targeting and short range has potential to minimize damage to healthy surrounding tissues.
- Unbound alpha-pharmaceutical likely to be cleared quickly
Easy to ship, handle, administer and dispose
- Limited shielding required owing to very short penetrating alpha-radiation
- Administration by intravenous injection, potentially as out-patient treatment
- Half-life advantage for manufacture and global distribution
- Manufacture is cost-effective