Radiofarmaka

Radiofarmaka, or radiopharmaceuticals, are medicinal formulations that contain a radioactive isotope bound to a biologically active molecule. They are used in nuclear medicine for diagnosis and therapy, taking advantage of the radiation emitted by the radionuclide to image organs or to deliver cytotoxic doses to disease sites.

In diagnostic applications, radiopharmaceuticals enable functional imaging. They often use gamma or positron emitters, such as technetium-99m, indium-111, fluorine-18, and gallium-68, allowing Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Examples include 18F-FDG for metabolic imaging, 99mTc-labeled agents for bone and organ scans, and 68Ga-DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumor imaging.

Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals deliver targeted radiation to diseased tissue. They typically employ beta or alpha emitters, such as iodine-131, lutetium-177, yttrium-90, and radium-223. Notable examples are 131I for thyroid conditions, 177Lu-DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumors, and 223Ra dichloride for metastatic bone disease.

Production and quality control are essential. Radionuclides may be produced in cyclotrons or reactors and delivered via generators (e.g., 99Mo-99mTc). Each radiopharmaceutical undergoes rigorous quality control for radiochemical purity, sterility, pyrogenicity, isotonicity, and correct dosage.

Safety and regulation require specialized facilities and personnel. Handling involves radiation protection, regulatory licensing, and proper waste disposal. Radiopharmaceuticals are typically administered on-site or at centralized centers, with careful dosimetry and patient-specific considerations to balance diagnostic or therapeutic benefit with radiation risk.