Theranostic Potential of ¹⁸⁶Pt and Related Isotopes
- bpsinghamu
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
As reported in a new study recently published in Physical Review C (Phys. Rev. C 112, 014627, 2025), a team led by experimental nuclear physics researchers from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, India has identified several isotopes, including ¹⁸⁶Pt, ¹⁸⁵Ir, ¹⁸²Os, and ¹⁸¹Re, with significant promise for cancer treatment and radiopharmaceutical applications.
Among these, ¹⁸⁶Pt stands out as a particularly promising theranostic radionuclide, offering the unique advantage of being useful for both diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy. Platinum-based chemotherapy agents such as cisplatin [Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂] and carboplatin [C₆H₁₂N₂O₄Pt] are already in routine use for lung, ovarian, and testicular cancers.
The ¹⁸⁶Pt can make cancer treatment more effective. Platinum-based drugs are already used to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. If the platinum atom is radioactive, as in ¹⁸⁶Pt, it also emits radiation. This radiation can be delivered directly to the tumor site. The result is a double attack, chemical toxicity from the drug and radiation damage from the isotope. Working together, these effects can kill cancer cells more efficiently and reduce the chance of the disease returning. Because the radiation is localized, there is also minimal harm to healthy tissues, making the treatment safer for the patient.
The radioisotope ¹⁸⁶Pt decays predominantly through electron capture (EC) and β⁺ emission (99.99% probability), releasing 1380 keV of decay energy, making it highly suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Its 689.2 keV gamma emission (70% abundance) and ~2.0-hour half-life make it ideal for theranostic applications, including single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and precise targeted radiotherapy.
In this work, ¹⁸⁶Pt was produced efficiently via heavy-ion induced reactions, followed by characterization using high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy and precise half-life determination. The researchers suggest that increasing the beam current using a high-current injector on the Pelletron accelerator could enable production of clinically relevant quantities.
Beyond ¹⁸⁶Pt, the study also highlights the medical potential of:
The ¹⁸⁵Ir (related to ¹⁹²Ir), widely used in brachytherapy for prostate and cervical cancer.
The ¹⁸²Os and related osmium isotopes, currently being investigated for their cytotoxic properties in cancer therapy.
¹⁸¹Re (similar to ¹⁸⁶Re), a promising isotope for bone pain palliation and liver cancer treatment.
Radioisotope-labeled pharmaceuticals incorporating such nuclides have already shown success in early clinical trials for primary tumors, bone metastases, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular interventions.
This current study provides not only new nuclear physics data but also valuable inputs for medical isotope production optimization. These findings could improve clinical access to crucial isotopes, thereby advancing cancer therapy and diagnostic imaging, reinforcing the vital role of nuclear medicine in modern healthcare.
The atom has no purpose on its own, it simply exists as a building block of matter. But in the right hands, its structure and energy can be used for incredible purposes. It can be used to generate clean power, in diagnosing and treating disease, and helping us understand the origin of the "UNIVERSE".
For more fascinating explanations and exciting insights into the world of nuclear physics, keep visiting BPS – The Atomic Explorer. Let’s continue this journey of discovery together, where atoms, energy, and curiosity meet!
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