Novel Delivery Platforms and Radiolabeling Strategies for Next-Generation Radiopharmaceuticals

Radionuclide therapy has entered a period of rapid expansion, driven by the clinical success of targeted alpha- and beta-emitting radiopharmaceuticals and by growing interest in treating historically difficult indications, including primary and metastatic brain tumors. Yet translating a promising radionuclide-ligand pairing into an effective therapeutic still depends on two frequently underappreciated bottlenecks: the chemistry used to install the radionuclide, and the delivery vehicle used to get it—intact and active—to the tumor microenvironment. This Research Topic invites contributions that advance either or both of these fronts, with a particular emphasis on work that bridges synthetic radiochemistry and pharmaceutical delivery science.On the radiochemistry side, we welcome studies describing new or improved labeling methodologies for diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides, including but not limited to fluorine-18, iodine-125/131, and emerging alpha- and beta-emitters. Of particular interest are approaches that improve reaction efficiency, molar activity, automation compatibility, or functional-group tolerance, including flow chemistry, photoredox-mediated radiolabeling, and late-stage functionalization strategies that allow radionuclides to be introduced into complex, sensitive scaffolds without compromising biological activity.On the delivery side, we invite submissions on nanoparticle, liposomal, micellar, and polymer-based carrier systems designed to encapsulate, protect, and controllably release radiopharmaceutical payloads. Contributions addressing blood-brain barrier penetration, tumor-selective accumulation, triggered or sustained release kinetics, and the interplay between carrier design and radiolabeling chemistry are especially encouraged. We are also interested in work that critically evaluates the translational challenges of such systems, including stability under physiological conditions, reproducibility of radiolabeling on carrier platforms, and regulatory or manufacturing considerations relevant to clinical progression.Beyond primary research, we welcome case reports describing early clinical or preclinical experience with novel delivery-based radiopharmaceuticals, methodological papers detailing new synthetic or radiolabeling protocols, and focused reviews synthesizing recent progress at the interface of radiochemistry and drug delivery. Studies combining imaging (PET/SPECT) with therapeutic delivery systems—so-called theranostic approaches—are particularly welcome, as are contributions addressing dosimetry considerations unique to carrier-based radiopharmaceuticals, where biodistribution and clearance profiles can differ substantially from small-molecule agents.This Research Topic aims to bring together radiochemists, pharmaceutical scientists, and nuclear medicine physicians to build a more complete picture of how radiolabeling innovation and delivery system design can jointly improve the therapeutic index of radionuclide therapies. By pairing methodological rigor in radiochemistry with pharmaceutical engineering principles, we hope to accelerate the development of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals capable of reaching challenging targets, including brain malignancies, with improved precision and reduced off-target toxicity.We welcome Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Case Reports, Reviews, and Methods articles that fall within this scope, and we particularly encourage submissions that report negative or inconclusive results where these provide meaningful insight into carrier stability, labeling reproducibility, or in vivo behavior—areas where the field would benefit from greater transparency. Topic editors: Natan Straathof, Aiko Yamaguchi, Avik Chakraborty Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86964/novel-delivery-platforms-and-radiolabeling-strategies-for-next-generation-radiopharmaceuticals