ASCO26: RLTs bring the buzz, but commercial and tolerability qualms remain

Radiopharmaceuticals became one of the main topics at the ASCO 2026 conference held from May 29 to June 1. This drug class, led by drugs such as Novartis' Pluvicto, is attracting attention from major pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, and Bristol Myers Squibb, which are investing in acquisitions in this segment. In the first quarter of 2026, 3.5 times more partnerships and licensing agreements were signed compared to the same period in 2025. Experts are discussing the potential of alpha-emitters versus currently dominant beta-emitters, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of benefit-risk ratios. Discussions are also ongoing about which targeting molecule (antibody, small molecule, or peptide) will be most successful, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages.