Our ServicesRadionuclide Therapy

Radionuclide Therapy

Radionuclide therapy treats abnormal cells by radioisotopes emitting high-energy alpha and beta radiation. The radioisotopes are tagged with biochemical molecules in radiopharmacy laboratory as “therapeutic agent”. The compound follows metabolic pathway as an in-vivo carrier and brings the radioisotope to specific treatment targets. The high energy radiation maximises treatment effect at molecular distance. The role of this treatment modality has been well established for thyroid diseases, and it has emerged as an effective option for neuroendocrine tumours and prostate cancers in recent years.

Theranostics is a new concept in strategic treatment of cancer based on quantitative and longitudinal targeted molecular imaging, using the same biochemical molecules as imaging and therapeutic agents. Firstly, tracers with diagnostic radioisotopes (F-18, C-11, Ga-68, Tc-99m, I-123, etc.) are used for tomographic imaging with PET/CT and NM SPECT/CT to perform cancer staging, trace metastases, simulate treatment and predict effectiveness. Subsequently, tracers with therapeutic radioisotopes (I-131, Lu-177, Y-90, Ra-223 and Sr-89, etc.) emitting high energy radiation are applied to deliver highly specific treatment and their biodistribution inside body during therapy are captured for evaluation. Cancer therapy can thus be personalized and effectively monitored to improve survival and quality of life.

To ensure radiopharmaceutical quality and safety, a series of stringent tests are performed in our Quality Control Laboratory before patient use. Under the care by nuclear medicine specialists, radiographers and nurses in our private radiation isolation rooms, the safety and well-being of patients during treatment can be maximized.

With a comprehensive clinical setting, we are the only NMPET centre in Hong Kong capable of providing a one-stop full spectrum service of radionuclide therapy for different cancers and other metabolic diseases. The current scope of treatment services includes Lutetium-177 DOTATATE and Iodine-131 MIBG for neuroendocrine tumour, Lutetium-177 PSMA for prostate cancer, Iodine-131 for thyrotoxicosis and thyroid cancer, Yttrium-90 Microspheres for liver cancer, Ytrrium-90 Zevalin radioimmunotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Radium-223 Dichloride for bone metastases of prostate cancer and Strontium-89 Chloride for bone metastases palliation.