Cancer treatment has always been a challenge for doctors and scientists. Traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments often damage healthy cells along with cancer cells. In such a situation, a new medical technology is rapidly being discussed—theranostics. Its name itself defines its work: Therapeutics + Diagnostics = Theranostics. That is, this technology identifies cancer and also eliminates it in a precise manner.
In this process, cancer cells are first detected in the body through positron emission tomography (PET) scans. After that, a special type of medicine is given, which directly targets those cells and destroys them. Its biggest feature is that it keeps the surrounding healthy cells almost safe.
How does theranostics work?
The basis of theranostics is radiotracer. It is made up of two parts—
- Biological part: which travels through the blood and connects directly to the cancer cells.
- Radioactive part: either makes cancer cells show up on a scan or destroys them.
In the first stage, a low-radiation radiotracer is injected into the body. It sticks to cancer cells and produces images of them. In the second stage, a similar radiotracer is used but with more powerful radiation that kills cancer cells.
Because it only affects the target cells, there is very little damage to other healthy cells in the body. This is its biggest strength.
For which patients is this treatment available?
Theranostics are usually used to treat metastatic cancer, that is, cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. The technique is most effective when conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy or regular radiation, stop working.
If a PET scan shows that the radiotracer can target the tumor, the patient is considered suitable for this procedure. However, if the cancer is localized to one area, surgery or other local treatments may be more effective.
Which cancers can be treated?
Theranostics is not a new concept. Radioactive iodine has been used to treat thyroid cancer for decades. It is given to the patient as a pill or liquid.
Today, this technology has advanced even further and is being used to treat many types of cancer, such as
- Neuroendocrine Tumors: A drug called Lu 177 dotatate (Lutathera) targets these tumors very effectively.
- Prostate Cancer: Lu 177 PSMA (Pluvicto) is used in patients whose cancer is not controlled by other drugs or chemotherapy.
- Adult pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma and pediatric neuroblastoma: I131-iobenguane (MIBG/Azedra) is used for these diseases.
Advantages of theranostics
Although this treatment does not completely eliminate cancer, it helps in increasing both the quality of life and longevity of patients. Its advantages are as follows:
- It is better tolerated than conventional treatment.
- Side effects are relatively few.
- Relief of symptoms caused by cancer is provided.
- The accuracy of the treatment is quite high.
Possible side effects
Because it involves the use of radiation, there is always a slight risk. Common side effects include:
- Temporary decrease in blood cell count.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Nausea and loss of appetite.
- Dry mouth in some patients during prostate cancer therapy.
Doctors do blood tests after every session to ensure that the patient’s body is tolerating this therapy properly.
How does the procedure happen?
- First, the patient is given an injection of radiotracer in the hand or arm.
- After an hour, it gets attached to the cancer cells in the body.
- A scan is done with a PET machine to find the exact location of the cancer.
- If the scan shows the right result, the same medicine is given in the next stage, which contains more powerful radiation.
- This treatment is completed in a few minutes and after a short period of monitoring, the patient can go home.
- The radiation naturally gets out of the body in a few days.
Why is this technology the treatment of the future?
Theranostics is changing the face of cancer treatment. It is not only more precise but also gives the patient an opportunity to live a better life. Researchers and doctors around the world are working to take it to new heights.
Institutions like the University of Chicago Medicine and Argonne National Laboratory are constantly developing new radiotracers to make it possible to treat more types of cancer.
Conclusion
Theranostics is a game-changer in the world of cancer treatment. It not only accurately diagnoses the disease but also opens the way to a cure at the same time. Fewer side effects, a more targeted approach, and improved quality of life—all these reasons make it one of the most promising technologies of the future.