Radiopharmaceuticals, also known as medicinal radiocompounds, are drugs that contain radioactive forms of chemical elements called radioisotopes. Depending on the type of radiation that those radioisotopes produce, they can be used to diagnose or treat several medical conditions. Their applications range from the imaging of organs, like the brain, heart, kidney and bones, to the treatment of cancer and hyperthyroidism.
How Are Radiopharmaceuticals Administered?
Radiopharmaceuticals can be given to patients through inhalation, injection, or by mouth, depending on which system or organ is being targeted. They can then be monitored and analysed with external testing and medical devices.
Unlike X rays that can be performed at any time, examinations with radiopharmaceuticals require a waiting period after the drug has been administered so that it has time to reach the target tissue.
How Are Radiopharmaceuticals Made?
Radiopharmaceuticals can be made by combining a compound that emits radiation with a tailored targeting molecule and a linker to ensure stable attachment.
This radiation could be in the form of gamma photons for diagnostic use or particles, alpha or beta, for therapeutic use.
How Do Radiopharmaceuticals Work?
Radiopharmaceuticals contain molecules that are designed to travel inside the body of the patient until they reach their target tissue or organ. Guided by this specific targeting molecule, the drug then seeks out areas with heightened metabolic activity, often indicative of a tumour or diseased tissue.
Imaging devices, like gamma cameras and PET scanners, can then capture the gamma rays emitted from the compound and convert them into detailed images. Radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists are then in charge of interpreting these obtained images to locate abnormal cells and diagnose the extent of the diseases.
Radiopharmaceuticals that are used in nuclear medicine imaging tests like this are known as diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.
Radiopharmaceuticals that are used to treat different conditions are known as therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, and this field of medicine is relatively new.
Are Radiopharmaceuticals Safe?
Although radiopharmaceuticals involve radiation, when handled and used with care, they are considered generally safe and well-tolerated. The targeted localisation minimises exposure to healthy cells and maximises the diagnostic accuracy.
Like all medications, therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals can cause side effects, but in general, the benefit of the medication outweigh the potential risks.
Your healthcare provider will work closely with a nuclear pharmacist to make sure you are given a safe amount of the radioactive drug and should go over all possible side effects with you before you begin the drug.
Relocating to the US for your pharmaceutical career
If you'll be relocating to the US from another country, you may need a work visa.
The specific type of visa you need will depend on your country of origin, the company's needs and whether the employment is permanent or a temporary assignment. Your prospective employer will discuss this with you.
If you're looking for a career in the pharma industry, HRS can help! We work with top pharmaceutical employers on both sides of the Atlantic to find the right people for a range of different roles. Use the links below to browse the latest vacancies, or enquire now for more information.
