Russian scientists have released the first batch of the new generation of radiopharmaceutical “terbium-161” for use as a treatment against malignant tumors.
The Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom reported that the technology for producing “terbium-161” was developed by scientists from the Reactor Materials Institute. A wide range of radiopharmaceuticals are expected to be produced.
Rosatom indicated that a pilot batch of new products was sent for testing to the Russian Granov Scientific Center for Radiological and Surgical Technologies of the Ministry of Health in Petersburg, in order to conduct research in the field of oncology and nuclear medicine.
In a related context, Andrei Stanzewski, Deputy Scientific Director of the Center, explained that pre-clinical studies (on animals) showed that the dose using the “terbium-161” isotope achieved results that exceed its counterpart (another similar treatment) by 1.5 on average, which can reduce The amount of radiopharmaceuticals administered compared to lutetium-based drugs, which will reduce the patient’s exposure to radiation, and will reduce radiation to healthy organs and tissues.
Scientists are now looking for other possibilities for using the isotope Terbium-161, as its physical and chemical properties and broad radiation spectrum lead them to the possibility in the future of developing a full range of radiopharmaceuticals to treat various types of malignant tumors and other diseases that require ultra-precise radiation therapy. .