Radionuclide and Radioligand Therapy (RLT)

Targeted Radiation for Advanced Prostate Cancer and Lymphoma

Radioligand therapy (RLT)—also known as radionuclide therapy—is a major advancement in precision oncology. This innovative treatment combines the targeting power of molecular medicine with the therapeutic strength of radiation to attack cancer at its source, while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

RLT uses specialized molecules called radioligands—compounds that bind to specific markers on cancer cells and carry a small radioactive payload. These radioligands attach directly to cancer cells, delivering radiation from the inside out, targeting both primary tumors and metastatic sites.

At Advanced Radiation Centers, we offer the most advanced radioligand therapies available today, including:

  • Xofigo® (Radium-223) – for prostate cancer with bone metastases
  • Pluvicto™ (Lutetium-177 PSMA-617) – for PSMA-positive metastatic prostate cancer

Zevalin® (Ibritumomab Tiuxetan) – for relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Xofigo® is a targeted radiopharmaceutical used for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that has spread to the bones but not to other organs.

Radium-223 is a calcium-mimicking isotope that naturally targets areas of increased bone turnover—common at sites where prostate cancer has spread. Once it enters the bone, it emits alpha particles, a highly potent form of radiation that causes lethal double-stranded DNA breaks in nearby cancer cells. This targeted approach destroys cancerous bone lesions while minimizing damage to the healthy bone marrow.

Key Benefits of Xofigo:

  • Specifically treats bone metastases
  • Minimal systemic side effects
  • Improves survival and quality of life

Pluvicto™ is a groundbreaking RLT used to treat PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Unlike Xofigo, which targets bone only, Pluvicto can reach both bone and soft tissue metastases.

Pluvicto consists of a radioligand that binds to the Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)—a protein found on most prostate cancer cells. Once bound, the molecule delivers Lutetium-177, a radioactive isotope that emits beta radiation directly into the cancer cell, killing it from within.

Pluvicto Offers:

  • Systemic treatment targeting widespread disease
  • Improved tumor control and survival
  • A powerful option for patients who have progressed on other therapies

Patients must undergo a PSMA PET scan prior to treatment to confirm that their cancer expresses the PSMA protein.

Zevalin® is a targeted radionuclide therapy approved for relapsed or refractory follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It combines a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen on B-cells with the radioactive isotope Yttrium-90, allowing for direct radiation delivery to lymphoma cells.

This “Trojan horse” method brings the radiation directly to the cancer, limiting damage to healthy tissue. Zevalin has proven effective in shrinking tumors and extending progression-free survival, particularly for patients whose lymphoma has not responded to other treatments.

You may be a candidate for RLT if:

  • You have advanced or metastatic cancer with specific biological markers (e.g., PSMA, CD20, or bone metastases)
  • Other standard treatments (such as hormone therapy or chemotherapy) have been ineffective
  • You are in good overall health to tolerate outpatient therapy

Your radiation oncologist will evaluate your cancer type, stage, molecular characteristics, and overall health to determine if radioligand therapy is appropriate for you.

Before Treatment:

  • You’ll undergo imaging (e.g., PSMA PET scan or CT/PET) to confirm the presence of radioligand targets.
  • Bloodwork and pre-treatment evaluations ensure you’re a good candidate.
  • You’ll receive detailed instructions and support from your care team.

During Treatment:

  • RLT is given via a simple intravenous (IV) infusion.
  • The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
  • Sessions may be repeated at intervals depending on your cancer type and response.

After Treatment:

  • You may need to follow radiation safety precautions depending on the type of isotope used.
  • Most patients experience minimal side effects, but your doctor will monitor for fatigue, mild nausea, or temporary drops in blood counts.

Ongoing follow-up is essential after RLT. This includes:

  • Regular imaging scans to track treatment effectiveness
  • PSA tests, blood counts, and other labs
  • Symptom monitoring and supportive care

You may also be eligible for combination treatments, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), for optimal cancer control.

Why Choose Advanced Radiation Centers for RLT?

Advanced Radiation Centers is a regional leader in precision cancer therapy, offering:

  • Access to the latest FDA-approved radioligand therapies
  • Multidisciplinary team of Radiation Oncologists, Urologists, and Medical Oncologists
  • Personalized treatment plans based on your specific cancer profile
  • Compassionate care in a state-of-the-art outpatient setting

If you or a loved one has advanced prostate cancer or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, radioligand therapy may offer a powerful new option. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our cancer specialists and learn more about whether Xofigo, Pluvicto, or Zevalin is right for you.