Radioisotope therapy is an internal form of radiation used to treat cancer; it may be administered orally or intravenously and represents the nearest treatment option to the 'magic bullet', specifically targeting sites of disease whilst sparing surrounding normal tissues. Radioisotope therapy has an important role to play in modern medicine, particularly in the treatment of thyroid disease, neuroendocrine tumours, bone metastasis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is found in both the diagnostic setting and in therapy, but recently there has been a renaissance in the application of radioisotope unsealed sources in therapeutic indications. It is an active area of research, with the quest for new compounds that will be specific for therapeutic targets.

This book is an essential, practical guide to the use of radioisotope therapy, and also includes the background and developmental biology which underpins its use. Individual tumours and diseases are explored, with specific focus given to radioisotope treatment options. The barriers to radioisotope therapy, such as ease of access, acquisition of radioisotopes, radiation protection regulations, and cost are also discussed.