• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2024

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) harnesses the potent cytotoxicity of alpha particles emitted by radioisotopes to selectively eradicate cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Developing radiopharmaceutical for TAT, alpha particle imaging devices are used to identify distribution and behavior of the radiopharmaceutical in body, to evaluate efficacy and safety of the radiopharmaceutical. This paper explores the challenges and advancements in alpha particle imaging devices for TAT. Researchers are turning to innovative alpha particle imaging devices capable of directly detecting alpha particles to achieve higher spatial resolution and accuracy in mapping radioisotope distribution within organs. This review surveys the landscape of alpha particle imaging devices developed worldwide, including scintillator based-, semiconductor based-, and gas detector based systems. Their underlying principles, unique features, and strategies for enhancing performance are examined. By shedding light on the state-of-the-art technologies supporting advancements in TAT research, this review aims to introduce the ongoing efforts to refine the vision on biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals for TAT.