About the Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) Interest Group
Theranostics represents a transformative approach in personalized medicine, offering tailored cancer treatments by integrating diagnostics with targeted radiotherapy. Several radiopharmaceuticals have been FDA-approved, expanding treatment options for advanced and refractory cancers:
- Pluvicto (Lutetium Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan) - Approved March 23, 2022, for PSMA-positive mCRPC; indication expanded March 28, 2025.
- Lutathera (Lutetium Lu-177 dotatate) - Approved January 26, 2018, for gastroenteropancreatic NETs; pediatric indication added April 23, 2024.
- Xofigo (Radium-223 dichloride) - Approved May 15, 2013, for symptomatic bone metastases in mCRPC.
- Azedra (Iobenguane I-131) - Approved July 30, 2018, for unresectable/metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.
- Sodium iodide I-131 - Longstanding FDA approval for thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism.
Advances in isotope production and new ligands are broadening the scope of theranostics. Promising agents targeting HER2-positive cancers, rare tumors (e.g., meningiomas) or tumor microenvironment are in development. Novel radioisotopes, including Auger electron- and alpha particle-emitters hold potential for enhanced efficacy with minimal side effects.
These developments have reinvigorated interest in Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) and prompted establishment of the RPT Interest Group (IG), which was organized to bring together stakeholders from multiple disciplines, including physicians, basic scientists and clinical trial organizations, to provide a forum for free discussion of ideas regarding the development and use of radionuclide therapies.
GOALS
- Networking and discussion of new advances in the RPT field.
- Generation of ideas and establishment of best practices for clinical trials evaluating RPT.
Teleconference Schedule
- The RPT Interest Group meets virtually via the WebEx platform once a month – the first Wednesday of each month at 5 pm ET.
- The group membership is approximately 200.
Activities and Accomplishments
Exchange of significant information and resources. Planning workshops.
Past Meetings
If you would like a list of presentations for presenters, topics, slide decks, and recordings from past meetings, please contact the Interest Group Coordinator, see below for information.
Interested in becoming a member of the RPT Interest Group?
Please Contact the Interest Group Coordinator:
Jacek Capala, PhD Radiation Research Program National Cancer Institute
Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis
Tel: 240-276-5706
Email: jacek.capala@nih.gov