Clinical considerations for pharmacists regarding the use of radiopharmaceuticals in oncology.

This article provides a detailed review of radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT), a targeted cancer treatment involving radioactive atoms directed to malignant sites, highlighting four clinically established agents: Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres, Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) dotatate, Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan, and Radium-223 (Ra-223). It discusses their mechanisms of action, clinical indications, safety profiles, concomitant therapy considerations, and patient contact precautions, emphasizing the distinct pharmacologic and toxicologic features compared to traditional chemotherapy. The review underscores the expanding role of oncology pharmacists in managing RPT administration, monitoring toxicities, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and educating patients about these evolving therapies. As RPT use grows across various malignancies, specialized knowledge in these agents is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and addressing barriers to access.