‘Significant talent shortage’ threatens the rise of radiopharmaceuticals Interest in the new cancer treatments has surged, but expertise in development and delivery is lacking

https://www.statnews.com/2024/12/02/radiopharmaceuticals-nuclear-medicine-cancer-drugs-talent-shortage/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_EyM_N4QpE1KApOe6Yd_JT9HzcFfgXOO2d4Y8mVIZFPHEkXbsBxh_1Qnhv8fRnGmley1UAD_SeXMryoQEZnptnjDHsKw&_hsmi=336476282&utm_content=336476282&utm_source=hs_email Not your grandfather’s radiation therapy Radiation has been a core part of cancer treatment for generations. But over the last couple of years, there’s been a surge of interest in a new type of treatment. Radiopharmaceuticals can more precisely target cancerous cells by fusing radioactive isotopes with a tool that will guide the compound to cancer cells like a missile, ideally obliterating the diseased cells while leaving the surrounding area relatively unscathed. It’s an approach with a ton of potential, but as more and more startups begin to focus in, the challenges ahead are becoming apparent. Developing these types of medications requires a familiarity with radioactive materials that few people in the drug industry have. Then, to actually provide the treatment, teams of specially trained physicians, nurses, and support staff need to measure the right doses of decaying isotopes and properly handle radioactive materials. There’s a significant shortage of these experts, according to insiders. And if workforce issues can’t be addressed, it could limit or even upend the rise of this field of medicine.