rhenium

Rhenium is a transition metal element that, in the context of medicine, refers to its radioisotopes—primarily rhenium‑186 and rhenium‑188—which are used as radiopharmaceuticals for targeted cancer therapy. These isotopes emit beta radiation (and gamma in the case of ^186Re), enabling both therapeutic destruction of tumor cells and imaging. Rhenium-based drugs such as REYOBIQ (rhenium Re186 obisbemeda) are being developed for highly targeted injectable radiotherapy, especially for central nervous system tumors like leptomeningeal metastases and glioblastoma. The mechanism involves local delivery of high-dose radiation to tumor tissue while sparing healthy tissue, often using nanoliposomal or colloidal formulations to enhance targeting and retention at the disease site. Rhenium-SCT utilizes ^188Re for non-invasive brachytherapy in non-melanoma skin cancers by applying a radioactive paste directly onto lesions, exploiting the shallow penetration depth of beta particles to minimize collateral damage[1][3][7][8].

Brand names

REYOBIQRhenium-SCT

Other names

rhenium re 186 obisbemedarhenium re 188 hedP (for specific radiopharmaceuticals)metal rhenium