One of the major limitations of current cancer therapy is the inability to deliver tumoricidal agents
throughout the entire tumor mass using traditional intravenous administration. Nanoparticles
carrying beta-emitting therapeutic radionuclides that are delivered using advanced image-guidance
have significant potential to improve solid tumor therapy. The use of image-guidance in
combination with nanoparticle carriers can improve the delivery of localized radiation to tumors.
Nanoparticles labeled with certain beta-emitting radionuclides are intrinsically theranostic agents
that can provide information regarding distribution and regional dosimetry within the tumor and
the body. Image-guided thermal therapy results in increased uptake of intravenous nanoparticles
within tumors, improving therapy. In addition, nanoparticles are ideal carriers for direct
intratumoral infusion of beta-emitting radionuclides by convection enhanced delivery, permitting
the delivery of localized therapeutic radiation without the requirement of the radionuclide exiting
from the nanoparticle. With this approach, very high doses of radiation can be delivered to solid
tumors while sparing normal organs. Recent technological developments in image-guidance,
convection enhanced delivery and newly developed nanoparticles carrying beta-emitting
radionuclides will be reviewed. Examples will be shown describing how this new approach has
promise for the treatment of brain, head and neck, and other types of solid tumors.