Several lanthanides produced at CERN-MEDICIS, samarium and terbium, are of interest for targeted therapy alike lutetium already used in the clinics. Lutetium emits low energy β particles with a short range, used for irradiation of smaller volume tumor targets. Terbium-149 emits short-range alpha particles, gamma-rays and positrons, in its decay scheme, which makes it suitable for targeted alpha therapy. The particular study of Tb produced by ISOLDE has been in folate receptor therapy, prominent in ovarian and lung cancer.
Sm, produced in the BR2 reactor at SCK CEN, followed by the subsequent mass separation by MEDICIS to increase its molar activity, was found to be suitable for targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) in a proof-of-concept research project. It emits low energy β particles and gamma peaks, and presents acceptable half-life for logistics and ambulatory care, making it a candidate of choice for theranostics approaches.