RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 α-Emitters for Radiotherapy: From Basic Radiochemistry to Clinical Studies—Part 1 JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine JO J Nucl Med FD Society of Nuclear Medicine SP 878 OP 884 DO 10.2967/jnumed.116.186338 VO 59 IS 6 A1 Poty, Sophie A1 Francesconi, Lynn C. A1 McDevitt, Michael R. A1 Morris, Michael J. A1 Lewis, Jason S. YR 2018 UL http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/59/6/878.abstract AB With a short particle range and high linear energy transfer, α-emitting radionuclides demonstrate high cell-killing efficiencies. Even with the existence of numerous radionuclides that decay by α-particle emission, only a few of these can reasonably be exploited for therapeutic purposes. Factors including radioisotope availability and physical characteristics (e.g., half-life) can limit their widespread dissemination. The first part of this review will explore the diversity, basic radiochemistry, restrictions, and hurdles of α-emitters.