iodine-125

Iodine-125 is a radioactive isotope of iodine with a half-life of approximately 60 days. It emits low-energy gamma radiation and is used in both diagnostic and therapeutic medical applications. In nuclear medicine, it serves as a radiotracer for imaging and as a source for radioimmunoassays due to its ability to label proteins such as antibodies. Therapeutically, it is primarily used in brachytherapy—where sealed sources are implanted directly into or near tumors—to treat localized cancers including prostate cancer, uveal melanomas (eye tumors), and brain tumors. Its relatively long half-life makes it suitable for procedures requiring extended monitoring or treatment duration. Mechanistically, the emitted gamma radiation from iodine-125 causes localized cellular damage leading to tumor cell death when used therapeutically[1][4][5].

Brand names

Jeanatope

Other names

sodium iodide I-125iodinated I 125 albumin