rhenium-186-HEDP

Rhenium-186-HEDP is a radiopharmaceutical composed of the radioisotope rhenium‑186 chelated to hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate (HEDP, also known as etidronate). It is primarily used for the palliation of bone pain in patients with metastatic bone lesions, especially from prostate and breast cancer. The compound selectively localizes to areas of increased bone turnover—typical of metastatic sites—by binding to hydroxyapatite in the bone matrix. Once localized, it emits beta radiation that delivers a cytotoxic dose directly to tumor sites within the skeleton while sparing most healthy tissue and minimizing marrow toxicity. Rhenium‑186 also emits gamma photons suitable for imaging, allowing clinicians to monitor drug distribution post-administration. The drug is administered intravenously and has been shown in clinical studies to provide significant pain relief with a manageable side-effect profile dominated by mild-to-moderate transient myelosuppression[1][3][5][9].

Brand names

186Re-HEDP

Other names

rhenium Re 186 etidronateRe-Rhenium Etidronate140709-07-5