Targeted cancer drugs face safety hurdles as trials reveal organ risks
Radiopharmaceuticals promise precise tumor targeting, but early trials show they can also damage kidneys, liver or bone marrow.
Developers tout radiopharmaceuticals as a way to deliver radiation directly to tumors while sparing healthy tissue. However, clinical studies are uncovering that the radioactive isotopes can unintentionally affect vital organs such as the kidneys, liver and bone marrow. The approach, while more focused than conventional radiation, still carries significant safety concerns that must be addressed before widespread use.
Why it matters
Understanding the risks of new cancer drugs helps patients and regulators weigh benefits against potential organ damage.
In this story
radiopharmaceuticalscancer treatmenttargeted radiationsafety concernsclinical trialsisotopeskidneysliverbone marrow