Holmium-166 beta radiation (ionizing radiation) (Ho-166 beta radiation)

The phrase “Ionizing radiation from holmium-166 beta emissions” does not denote a biological target such as a receptor or enzyme; it describes the therapeutic radiation emitted by the radionuclide holmium-166 (Ho-166). Ho-166 is a rare-earth radionuclide with a half-life of about 26.8 hours that emits high-energy beta particles responsible for therapeutic cytotoxicity and a low-yield gamma photon around 80 keV that enables SPECT imaging and dosimetry[6][5][7]. The beta particles have a short tissue range (on the order of a few millimeters), enabling localized energy deposition suitable for intra-arterial liver radioembolization and other internal radiotherapy approaches[1][6]. Clinically, Ho-166 is delivered via microspheres (e.g., PLLA-based QuiremSpheres/QuiremScout) for selective internal radiation therapy of liver tumors; its paramagnetism also allows MRI visualization, and its density supports CT detection, facilitating theranostic use and individualized dosimetry[7][6][2]. Because this entry refers to a radiation type rather than a discrete molecular target, it should not be modeled as a therapeutic target entity.

Other names

Holmium-166 beta emissionsHolmium-166 beta particlesHo-166 β– radiationIonizing radiation from Ho-166Therapeutic beta radiation from holmium-166

Beta particles from Ho-166 deposit energy over a short range in tissue, causing DNA damage and cytotoxicity leading to tumor cell death[6][1] Concurrent low-yield gamma photons (≈80 keV) enable SPECT imaging for dosimetry and therapy monitoring[7][6][5]