Lu-177 can also be stuck to medicinal molecules that are designed to attack cancer cells, such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides, or small molecules. These targeting agents bind to receptors or antigens overexpressed on specific cancer cells.
Its precision makes it a cornerstone of therapies for conditions like prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. It offers the added benefit of minimal side effects compared to conventional treatments, providing new hope for patients by enhancing survival rates and quality of life.
In addition to Lu-177, other isotopes like molybdenum-99 (99Mo) and its daughter product, Technetium-99m (99mTc), are indispensable in diagnostic medical imaging. Around 80% of all diagnostic scans rely on these radioisotopes, highlighting the importance of facilities like the newly opened Qinshan reactor.