# Astatine-211 alpha therapy

Source: https://nuclide.cc/technologies/astatine-211-alpha-therapy/  
Nuclide record `astatine-211-alpha-therapy` (Technology). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from Nuclide (nuclide.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

A rare alpha-emitting halogen that can be attached to antibodies and small molecules like iodine, tested in leukaemia conditioning and brain and ovarian cancer.

## Summary

Astatine-211 is an alpha emitter with a 7.2-hour half-life that behaves chemically like iodine, so it can label antibodies and small molecules by radiohalogenation. Its short range and high energy suit micrometastatic and disseminated disease; academic programmes in Gothenburg, Seattle and Japan have tested At-211 antibodies in ovarian cancer and as anti-CD45 conditioning before transplant, and At-211 PSMA and MABG agents are in early trials. Production requires a cyclotron with alpha beams, limiting supply to a few centres.

## Fields

- Kind: Technology
- Status: phase-1
- Last checked: 2026-09-04
- Principle: At-211 is produced by bombarding bismuth with alpha particles, labelled to a targeting molecule, and delivers high linear-energy-transfer alpha particles over a few cell diameters.
- Strengths: Alpha emission kills with few decays and overcomes resistance; Iodine-like chemistry fits existing tracers; Short half-life limits residual dose
- Limitations: Very limited production capacity; Short half-life constrains logistics; Early clinical stage

## Sources

- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astatine
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astatine

## Connected records

- isotopes: [Astatine-211](https://nuclide.cc/isotopes/at-211/)
- indications: [Prostate cancer](https://nuclide.cc/indications/prostate/)
- technologies: [Cyclotron isotope production (F-18, Ga-68, Cu-64, Zr-89, At-211)](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/cyclotron-isotope-production/), [Medical cyclotrons, hot cells, and synthesis modules](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/medical-cyclotrons-synthesis-modules/), [Radioligand therapy (beta emitters)](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/radioligand-therapy/), [Targeted alpha therapy](https://nuclide.cc/technologies/targeted-alpha-therapy/)
- companies: [IONETIX](https://nuclide.cc/companies/ionetix/)
- fronts: [Targeted alpha therapy](https://nuclide.cc/fronts/f-alpha-therapy/)
- roadmaps: [Neuro-oncology imaging roadmap: FDG PET → amino acid PET → SSTR2 theranostics in meningioma](https://nuclide.cc/roadmaps/neuro-imaging-roadmap/)

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