Rhenium 188: The Poor Man's Yttrium

After the landmark, IAEA trial confirming the potential of intra-arterially used Re 188 Lipoidol for the treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it was surprising to note that none of the participating centers took this work forward. To a nonnuclear physician or scientist, it would seem baffling, but we in NM are well aware of the difficulties in instituting a new radionuclide therapy procedure in our center. Lack of properly conducted trials, data or evidence; differing regulatory frameworks across countries, lack of funding agencies and no pharmaceutical support are some of the many hindrances that we in NM routinely take in our strides.