Radioligand Therapy
About Radioligand Therapy (RLT)
Radioligand therapy (RLT) uses radioactive materials called radioisotopes to target cancer cells. The radioisotope is systematically delivered and collected by tumour cells, where the radiation from the radioisotope kills those cells. If a radioisotope is combined with a substance that helps focus the treatment on the tumour cells, other parts of the body will have less damage from the radiation. This type of therapy does not work for all cancers or clinical situations. A patient may need specialized imaging (for example, PET scans) to find out whether the treatment could be helpful.
Talk to your healthcare team to see if radioligand therapy is right for you.
Radioligand Therapy (RLT) for Prostate Cancer was added in January 2025. Please see the eligibility criteria.
Ontario Health’s Radioligand Therapy Program
Ontario Health currently pays for specific radioligand therapies (RLTs) that have been approved for public funding. Patients do not need to apply for public coverage. Their healthcare team at the hospital will seek funding approval from Ontario Health on their behalf.
What You Need to Know Before You Refer a Patient
To qualify for public funding for radioligand therapies (RLTs):
- patients must have a valid Ontario health card
- patient must meet all eligibility criteria for the radioligand therapy (see below for RLT specific criteria)
- the hospital must have a funding agreement with Ontario Health (see list of participating hospitals)
If your patient does not meet this you may also want to discuss any clinical trials that would be right for them.
Note: Ontario does not pay for RLTs given in private clinics.
Eligibility Criteria
Participating Ontario Hospitals
In Ontario, select hospitals are able to offer radioligand therapies (RLTs) for specific types of cancers.
To find out if you would be appropriate for RLT, your oncologist can make a referral to one of these hospitals:
- Hamilton Health Sciences
- London Health Sciences Centre
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- The Ottawa Hospital
- University Health Network
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, send us an email.
Please do not send us your medical information – including healthcare number, diagnosis, treatment plans – or other personal information or attachments.