rhenium-186

Rhenium-186 is a radioactive isotope of the element rhenium used as a radiopharmaceutical for targeted radiotherapy. It emits both beta particles and gamma photons, making it suitable for both therapeutic and imaging purposes. Its short half-life (~3.8 days) allows for effective delivery of radiation to tumor sites while minimizing long-term exposure[3][4]. Rhenium-186 can be formulated in various ways: - As Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda, an injectable radiotherapeutic designed to deliver high-dose targeted radiation directly to central nervous system tumors such as leptomeningeal metastases and recurrent glioblastoma[1][2][5]. - As Rhenium-186 Etidronate (HEDP), used primarily for palliation of bone pain in patients with metastatic cancers such as prostate or breast cancer[3]. Mechanistically, the beta emissions destroy cancerous tissue at the site of administration while gamma emissions allow real-time imaging during treatment. The agent is under active clinical investigation in CNS cancers and has been approved or marketed historically outside the US for bone pain palliation.

Other names

rhenium-186rhenium186rhenium 186186Re-HEDP (when chelated with etidronate)Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda (specific formulation)