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Radiopharmaceuticals: how these drugs work

By CSE Team · Last updated: October 15, 2026

Radiopharmaceuticals are medicines that carry a tiny amount of radioactive material through the bloodstream to cancer cells, treating cancer from the inside. They're given by IV in a nuclear medicine department, usually as an outpatient. Because the radiation travels to where the cancer is, they can treat many spots at once. Side effects tend to be tiredness, nausea, and lower blood counts. For a few days after each dose, you'll follow simple steps to protect others from radiation, such as drinking fluids, using the toilet carefully, and keeping some distance from children and pregnant women.

ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.

On this page: PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy · Bone-targeted radiopharmaceuticals

PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy

Pluvicto (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) finds PSMA, a protein on most prostate cancer cells. A PSMA PET scan first confirms the target. It's given every 6 weeks for up to 6 doses. Dry mouth, tiredness, and nausea are common, and kidneys and blood counts are checked.

Bone-targeted radiopharmaceuticals

Xofigo (radium-223) acts like calcium and settles where cancer has spread to bone. It's used for castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases and no spread to organs. It's given monthly for 6 doses. Diarrhea, nausea, and low blood counts can occur.

Side effect guides that may help

• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Neutropenia (low blood counts and infection risk)
• Nausea and vomiting (CINV)

❓ Questions you and your loved ones can ask

• What is the goal of this treatment for me?
• How will we know if it's working?
• Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
• Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
• Will this affect my ability to work, drive, or care for my family?
• What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?

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Written by the CSE Team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write