Radiation Oncologists and Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals: Will History Repeat Itself?

Recent issues of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics (2022;113 (4):719-726, and 859-865) and Practical Radiation Oncology (2022;12:283-316) featured a series of excellent articles related to developments in the growing field of radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT). One of the articles, by Kiess et al, describes a framework for developing an RPT curriculum proposed by a work group convened by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). 1 Kiess AP Hobbs RF Bednarz B et al. ASTRO's framework for radiopharmaceutical therapy curriculum development for trainees. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2022; 113: 719-726 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar We applaud the publication of these articles and the apparent resurgence of interest in the modality that they imply; however, we are concerned that we must also consider the complicated history of these issues within radiation oncology (RO) as well as the imperatives of clinical training and establishing technical and research infrastructure.