What is theranostics?
Theranostics (THAYR-uh-NAH-stiks) is a type of radiation therapy that uses therapy and diagnostic tools together. It uses targeted imaging molecules to locate cancer cells and then uses the same molecules to deliver radiation directly to those cells. Because theranostics both finds and treats cancer, it offers a highly personalized approach to care.
How theranostics works
Theranostics uses special radioactive substances, called radioisotopes, to both find and treat cancer. Radioisotopes are tiny particles that give off energy.
Here’s how the process works:
- Targeting the cancer cells: Doctors use imaging scans to see if a tumor has certain proteins on its surface. These proteins act like “locks” that theranostics treatment can “unlock.”
- Attaching the radioisotope: You’ll get a radioactive drug that has a diagnostic isotope. It’s a small molecule that can bind to those proteins, and also has a radioisotope. The diagnostic isotope can bind to a specific target on cancer cells.
- Imaging: Radioisotopes can be seen on imaging scans. You’ll have a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. This type of imaging “lights up” the isotope that bonded to the cancer cells. The PET scan shows right where the cancer cells are.
- Treatment: Once doctors map the tumor, they’ll inject you with a radioactive drug that has a therapeutic isotope. It has radiation to kill cancer cells while keeping most nearby healthy tissue safe.
- Follow-up: Doctors will give you more imaging scans. These tests tell them how well the treatment worked and if you need more treatment.
What cancers can theranostics treat?
Theranostics for prostate cancer
Theranostics is most often used for advanced prostate cancer. Cancer cells can have a protein called PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) on their surface. Theranostic agents can find and attack PSMA-positive cells. Theranostics is a new treatment option for prostate cancer that has spread or did not respond to other treatments.
Theranostics for neuroendocrine tumors
Theranostics is also widely used for neuroendocrine (NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin) tumors (NETs). These tumors can be hard to treat with standard therapies. Theranostics agents bind to receptors on neuroendocrine tumor cells. They work very well for both imaging and treatment.
New research about theranostics
MSK doctors and researchers helped develop theranostics. We’re leading the field with new clinical trials and the latest research. Our experts are studying how theranostics may treat other cancers, such as lung cancer and some rare tumor types. Clinical trials may soon discover new roles for theranostics.
Theranostics: Finding and Treating Cancer at the Same Time
Theranostics at MSK
What it’s like to get theranostics cancer treatment at MSK
At MSK, our team approach includes oncologists (cancer doctors), experts in nuclear medicine, nurses, and support staff. Your care plan is made just for you. It may use theranostics together with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, as needed.
- Common treatment regimen (schedule): Most people get theranostics in cycles, a few weeks apart. Your care team will talk with you about how many treatments you may need.
- Other treatments: Theranostics can be used on its own or along with other therapies. Your doctors will design the safest, best plan for you.
- Hospital stay: Most treatments are done as an outpatient (outside the hospital) procedure. But you may have to stay in the hospital for a short time, based on the radioisotope used and how much you had.
- Side effects: Short-term side effects often do not last long and can be managed. Common side effects can include:
- Fatigue (feeling very tired).
- Nausea (feeling like throwing up).
- Mild pain where the treatment travels in the body.
- Other side effects that may last longer include a decrease in blood cell counts. This is not a permanent side effect. Your blood cell levels will return to normal.
- Recovery and follow-up: After treatment, MSK specialists monitor your progress with scans and bloodwork, and provide recovery support, including help managing side effects and access to rehabilitation services.
Locations where MSK offers theranostics
MSK offers theranostics treatment at our Manhattan location at 1275 York Avenue. We are actively working to offer theranostics at our locations in New Jersey, Westchester, and Long Island.