Table 1.

Most commonly used radionuclides for targeted radiotherapy in US [4,5].

Radionuclide	Physical half life	Emission type (energy in keV)	Range in tissue (mm)	Advantages	Disadvantages
I-131	8.04 d	Beta (max 606) and gamma (364)	2.5–3	Availability Low cost Easy labeling	High radiation burden to family members and medical personnels
Y-90	64 h	Beta (max 2280)	12	High-energy beta-emission Prolonged tumor retention	Bone marrow toxicity
Sm-153	46.3 h	Beta (max 807) and gamma (103)	3	Short range in tissue	Bone marrow toxicity
Sr-89	50.5 d	Beta (max 1463)	8	Easy labeling	Long half life Bone marrow toxicity