Theranostics: Combining Cancer Therapy and Diagnosis
Introduction
Theranostics is the term (diagnosis + Therapeutics) used to describe the combination of using one radioactive isotope (radioactive drug) to diagnose the presence of a particular biomarker and a second radioactive isotope (therapeutic) to treat the main tumour and metastatic tumour spread. These radioisotopes are called radiopharmaceuticals. Radioisotopes emit radiation which are detected by a gamma camera and PET, which facilitates diagnosis and treatment.
Procedures
It is administered intravenously or Intra arterially over 20- 30 minutes, Vital signs like blood pressure and pulse are monitored during infusions. The treatment is tailored for every individual thus resulting in right drug for the right patient at the right time.
Indications
Theranostics can be used to treat cancers that have spread (metastasized), or where cancer is advanced and/or hasn’t responded to other treatments. Listed below are a few cancers treated with Theranostics:
Advantages
- Tailored to the biomarker profile of each individual patient
- Reduced side-effects
- Increased tissue bioavailability
- Improved response to treatment
