Nanoradiopharmaceuticals In Nuclear Medicine: Integrating Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Laboratory Sciences, And Public Health For Precision Diagnostics And Targeted Therapy

Abstract

Background:
The integration of nanotechnology into nuclear medicine has revolutionized diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy through the emergence of nanoradiopharmaceuticals—nanoscale systems designed to carry radionuclides for precise disease targeting. These agents combine the pharmacokinetic control of nanocarriers with the diagnostic and therapeutic versatility of radiopharmaceuticals, enabling breakthroughs in oncology, cardiology, and molecular imaging. However, the safe and effective clinical translation of nanoradiopharmaceuticals depends on robust interdisciplinary collaboration among clinical pharmacy, biochemistry, medical laboratory sciences, and public health.

Objective:
This review examines global and regional advances in nanoradiopharmaceutical science, highlighting the interdisciplinary roles and challenges in optimizing their synthesis, clinical application, and regulatory integration within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 healthcare transformation.

Methods:
A narrative review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for the period 2018–2025. Studies were screened for relevance to nanoradiopharmaceutical development, pharmacological optimization, clinical translation, and population-level health impact. Thematic synthesis was applied following Braun and Clarke’s model, integrating findings from biochemical, pharmacological, laboratory, and public health perspectives.

Results:
Recent studies demonstrate that nanoradiopharmaceuticals—such as ^68Ga-labeled nanoparticles, ^177Lu-polymeric systems, and gold nanoparticle conjugates—offer improved targeting accuracy, biocompatibility, and imaging sensitivity. Collaboration among biochemists (nanocarrier synthesis), pharmacists (dose optimization and safety monitoring), laboratory scientists (analytical validation and dosimetry), and public health experts (radiological protection and ethical oversight) is critical for achieving clinical efficacy and patient safety. Emerging applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiopharmaceutical modeling, image quantification, and risk prediction further strengthen the precision and scalability of these technologies.

Conclusion:
Nanoradiopharmaceuticals represent the next frontier in precision nuclear medicine, offering integrated diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Their successful implementation requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary framework that bridges molecular innovation, clinical governance, and public health policy. By investing in AI-enabled radiopharmacy systems, interdisciplinary training, and national regulatory frameworks, Saudi Arabia can become a regional leader in safe and innovative nanoradiopharmaceutical applications.