Y90labeled

Y-90 labeled, or Yttrium-90 labeled, refers to radiopharmaceuticals in which the beta-emitting isotope yttrium-90 is attached to a carrier molecule or encapsulated within a particle to deliver targeted radiation to diseased tissue. Y-90 is a pure beta emitter with a half-life of about 64.1 hours (2.67 days) and decays to stable zirconium-90. Its beta particles have sufficient energy to destroy nearby cancer cells while limiting radiation outside the target area.

Labeling approaches vary by application. Y-90 can be bound to monoclonal antibodies or peptides via chelators such as DOTA, enabling radioimmunotherapy in diseases like non-Hodgkin lymphoma (for example, Y-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan, marketed as Zevalin). Y-90 can also be delivered by encapsulating the isotope in microspheres (glass or resin) for selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT or SIRT/radioembolization), used primarily for hepatic tumors and metastases. Commercial systems include Y-90 labeled microspheres (e.g., TheraSphere for glass microspheres and SIR-Spheres for resin microspheres). In neuroendocrine and other tumors, Y-90 labeled radiopharmaceuticals have been explored as alternative or adjuncts to lutetium-177–based therapies, such as Y-90 DOTATOC/DOTATATE in select settings.

Production and logistics rely on Sr-90/Y-90 generators, which provide the short-lived Y-90 for clinical use. Labeling requires careful radiochemical handling, quality control, dosimetry, and institutional radiation safety oversight. Dosimetry aims to maximize tumor dose while sparing healthy tissue, with planning informed by imaging and vascular mapping.

Overall, Y-90 labeled compounds are a cornerstone of targeted radiotherapy, offering localized cytotoxicity with a pharmacokinetic profile suited to various tumor types.