IAEA Contribution to Nanosized Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals for Drug Delivery.

Area of Science:

• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
• Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
• Medical Imaging and Therapy

Background:

• Growing interest in nanoscience for radiopharmaceutical design led to an IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) in 2014.
• The CRP 'Nanosized delivery systems for radiopharmaceuticals' united global experts to advance nanomedicine in nuclear oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop well-defined, effective, and site-specific delivery systems for radiopharmaceuticals using nanoscience.
• To explore various nanoparticle platforms and targeting ligands for enhanced radiopharmaceutical delivery.
• To optimize radiolabeling methods for diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides in nanocarriers.

Main Methods:

• Development of metal, polymer, and gel-based nanoparticles (NPs).
• Conjugation/encapsulation of NPs with tumor-avid ligands (peptides, folates, phytochemicals).
• Radiolabeling of nanovectors with radionuclides (Tc-99m, Ga-68, Lu-177, Au-198).

Main Results:

• Established protocols and guidelines for nanoradiopharmaceutical delivery systems.
• Trained numerous scientists and fostered international research networks.
• Developed innovative nanoconstructs selected for preclinical evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The CRP successfully advanced the field of nanoradiopharmaceuticals through collaborative international efforts.
• Developed nanodelivery systems show promise for preclinical applications and eventual clinical translation in cancer treatment.
• This endeavor has laid the groundwork for future advancements in targeted cancer therapy using nanomedicine.