Radiopharmaceuticals: a mini review of applications and innovations on nuclear medicine

Abstract

Radiopharmaceuticals are a group of medicines known for their radioactive agents, known as radioisotopes. They are employed in various areas, primarily clinics for the diseases' diagnosis or treatment. Their structure comprises a radionuclide (regulates the physical characteristics) and a drug (determines the biological behavior). The following review describes the general and innovative applications of radiopharmaceuticals, the manufacturing process, and the regulation they must have to be administered safely. This work showed various functions of radiopharmaceuticals in the pharmaceutical industry for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (99m Tc, 131 I, 67 Ga, 153 Sm, 201 Tl, 81m Kr, 223 Ra, 18 F, 90 Y, 186 Re, and 169 Er) and the innovation being developed to treat pathologies more efficiently and safely. The rigor required for the manufacturing as well as the quality control during their preparation, dispensation, and use was also appreciated. Concerning Costa Rica, their utilization continues to grow, so it is essential to maintain strict security protocols.