rhenium-186 sulfide

Rhenium-186 sulfide is a beta-emitting radiopharmaceutical used for radiosynoviorthesis (radiation synovectomy), specifically targeting medium-sized joints such as the elbow, wrist, ankle, and shoulder. It consists of the radioisotope rhenium-186, which has a physical half-life of approximately 3.7 days, formulated as a stable colloidal sulfide suspension. Upon intra-articular injection, the colloidal particles are phagocytosed by synovial macrophages and synoviocytes in the inflamed joint lining. The emitted beta radiation, which has a mean tissue penetration of 1.1 mm, induces radiation-induced necrosis and subsequent fibrosis of the hypertrophic synovial membrane. This ablation of the synovium reduces joint effusion, inflammation, and pain, making it an effective treatment for persistent synovitis in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and hemophilic arthropathy while minimizing damage to deeper tissues and articular cartilage.

Brand names

Rhenocis

Other names

Rhenium (186Re) sulfideRhenium-186 rhenium sulfideRhenium186 rhenium sulfideRhenium 186 rhenium sulfideRhenium-186 sulfide colloidRhenium186 sulfide colloidRhenium 186 sulfide colloid186-Rhenium sulfide