Elements · ← Sr Strontium · Zr Zirconium →
Radioactive yttrium-90 is used in targeted cancer therapies, and yttrium-based nanocrystals glow when excited.
| Symbol | Y |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 39 |
| Standard atomic weight | 88.90584 |
| Group | 3 |
| Period | 5 |
| Block | d-block |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Standard state | Solid |
| Discovered | 1794 |
Source: PubChem, Yttrium (periodic table data, retrieved 2026-10-19). Group and period follow the standard 18-column periodic table.
Uses proposed by researchers are listed on Potential uses.
Wang and colleagues showed that adding trivalent lanthanide dopant ions at set concentrations tunes NaYF4 upconversion nanocrystals in size (down to 10 nm), crystal phase and emission colour.
As reported in: Wang, Han, Lim et al. (2010). Simultaneous phase and size control of upconversion nanocrystals through lanthanide doping. Nature. doi:10.1038/nature08777
Abstract only
In a phase 3 trial in 143 patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade, follicular or transformed B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan gave an 80% overall response rate versus 56% for rituximab.
Built / tested: 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan
As reported in: Witzig, Gordon, Cabanillas et al. (2002). Randomized Controlled Trial of Yttrium-90–Labeled Ibritumomab Tiuxetan Radioimmunotherapy Versus Rituximab Immunotherapy for Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Low-Grade, Follicular, or Transformed B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology. doi:10.1200/jco.2002.11.076
Abstract only
Salem and colleagues reported long-term outcomes for 291 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with yttrium-90 microspheres delivered through the liver arteries; patients with Child-Pugh A disease benefited most.
As reported in: Salem, Lewandowski, Mulcahy et al. (2010). Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Yttrium-90 Microspheres: A Comprehensive Report of Long-term Outcomes. Gastroenterology. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2009.09.006
Search Google Patents for yttrium in biological and medical uses: all patents · recent applications (2022+)
A patent is a legal claim, not proof that something works. See the Patents page.