Radiopharmaceutical therapy for prostate cancer

This treatment uses a small amount of radioactive medicine that is injected into your bloodstream. The medicine travels around the body and attaches to prostate cancer cells.

Attached to the cancer cells, it releases radiation that damages and kills them.

Because it works throughout the body, this is considered a type of systemic treatment (treatment that works everywhere in the body).

Radiopharmaceutical therapy is used for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. It is not used for cancer that is still confined to the prostate.

Radiopharmaceutical therapy is not a replacement for surgery or radiotherapy used in early-stage prostate cancer. It is one of several treatment options used to manage advanced prostate cancer.

Your medical team will discuss whether this treatment is suitable for you and how it fits into your overall treatment plan.

This chapter contains general information about radiopharmaceutical therapy for prostate cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

The creation of this chapter was funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Its content has been independently developed and approved by the EAU Patient Office.

Last updated: February 2026

Reviewed by: 

• Dr. Nikolaos Grivas (Guideline Panel on Prostate Cancer)
• Mr. Eamonn Rogers (Patient Office Chairman)
• Dr. Erik Briers (Patient Office EPAG)