Radiopharmaceutical cytotoxicity

"Radiopharmaceutical cytotoxicity" refers to the ability of radiopharmaceutical compounds to induce cell death, primarily in cancer cells, through the targeted delivery of cytotoxic radiation (e.g., alpha, beta, or gamma emissions) via conjugated molecules, peptides, or antibodies[4][5][6][8]. The concept encompasses diverse therapeutic radiopharmaceutical agents, each with its specific molecular target and radiation source; it does not represent a unique protein, receptor, or gene product. The cytotoxic effect results from ionizing radiation damaging cellular components, primarily DNA, leading to cell death by apoptosis, necrosis, or other mechanisms[1][2][4][8]. The term does not correspond to a single defined biological molecule, structure, or conventional drug target.