Targeted radioactive isotopes expand cancer therapy
Scientists and companies are accelerating development of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals that pair novel radioisotopes with tumor-targeting molecules to treat cancers more precisely. The Science report (Oct. 2, 2025) highlights U.S. production at Oak Ridge National Laboratory of thorium-229 and its decay product actinium-225, an isotope in high demand whose recent shortage stalled a clinical trial, and notes investor interest following commercial successes by Novartis (Lutathera, Pluvicto).
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🔍 Key Facts
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Building 7920 stores thorium-229 used to produce actinium-225 for targeted radiotherapies.
- A shortage of actinium-225 recently stalled a promising clinical trial, illustrating supply-chain constraints for these treatments.
- Commercial precedent: Novartis’ Lutathera and Pluvicto—lutetium-177 radiopharmaceuticals—had combined sales near $2 billion last year, spurring investment.
📍 Contextual Background
- Lutathera and Pluvicto are Novartis drugs that target the radioisotope lutetium-177 to gastrointestinal cancer and prostate cancer cells, respectively, and had combined sales of nearly $2 billion in 2024.