Alpha emitting nuclides in nuclear medicine theranostics.

Theranostic applications with radio-isotopes currently are rapidly progressing and expand nuclear medicine application in clinical routine. Alpha emitting isotopes, in particular, have long been hypothesized to achieve relevant advances for the treatment of malignancies. Here, an overview of their properties and the knowledge of radiobiology is reviewed in view of clinical translation. Clinical evidence of radiopharmaceuticals based on alpha emitters is summarized with a focus on recent developments for treatment of metastasized castration resistant prostate cancer.