Abstract

Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive drugs used as imaging and therapeutic agents in nuclear medicine. Commonly performed clinical studies are discussed and the approved radiopharmaceuticals are presented in terms of biological distribution, disease targets, and chemical and physical properties. Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear medicine techniques are presented.

The second section comprises a discussion of isotopes used in both diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine. Specific properties as well as usage and means of production are given. The chemistry of radiopharmaceuticals including synthesis, labeling, and analysis is presented followed by discussion of the instrumentation used for both in vivo and sample measurement of radioactivity. Measurements of dispensed doses are described as are imaging systems and instruments for radiation safety. Radiopharmaceutical safety issues, including both radiation dosimetry and a brief discussion of chemical toxicity, are presented and formulation and packaging of materials is discussed. Anticipated developments and new directions for the industry are presented.