Theranostics: Targeted Therapy Combining Precision and Power
As cancer care continues to evolve toward more personalized and precise approaches, Tampa General Hospital is advancing its capabilities with the integration of theranostics—a cutting-edge treatment modality that exemplifies the fusion of innovation and targeted care. This addition to TGH’s Radiation Oncology Program reflects a strategic investment in therapies that are not only highly specialized but also tailored to the unique biological characteristics of each patient’s cancer.
What is Theranostics?
Theranostics is a medical approach that combines therapy (treatment) with diagnostics (imaging) using specialized radioisotopes that specifically target cancer cells in both the primary tumor site and areas of metastases. Because radioisotopes selectively target parts of cells that are almost completely exclusive to cancer, these therapies have limited effects on healthy tissues, thereby reducing systemic side effects, and have demonstrated significant progress in addressing advanced cancer in certain patients.
What Conditions Can be Treated with Theranostics?
Theranostics is FDA-approved to treat certain neuroendocrine tumors and prostate and thyroid cancers in which a radioactive drug has been approved by the US FDA to target and eliminate cancer cells:
- Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)
- Prostate Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
While theranostics is currently FDA-approved for limited uses, Tampa General experts are closely watching, as the approved uses are expected to expand substantially.
Numerous radiopharmaceuticals are in late-stage clinical development and research is ongoing to identify and validate biomarkers (targets) across multiple cancer types. In addition, there are also studies assessing the use of theranostics in combination with other cancer therapies, such as immunotherapies, and the utility of expanding the indications that are already approved, such as using the approach earlier in the treatment regimen to improve patient outcomes.
What to Expect with Theranostics
Your oncologist will work with you to determine if theranostics is the right approach for you. If so, our multidisciplinary team will design a care plan that includes this treatment option.
Theranostics uses radiopharmaceuticals, which are medicinal products containing radioactive isotopes. Depending on the characteristics of the isotope and the parts of the cells that it targets, they can either be:
- Detected through imaging methods, such as PET or CAT scans, for diagnostic purposes to identify cancer cells and determine the rate of growth, spread, or recession; or
- Administered as an agent for targeted therapy that infiltrates and eliminates cancer cells.
Theranostics is associated with fewer side effects compared to some other cancer treatment options.
Theranostics combines multiple radioisotopes within one treatment regimen to target cancer cells for both imaging and treatment protocols. Due to its targeted nature, the side effects for these treatments are typically more tolerable than traditional approaches, such as chemotherapy or radiation, which can affect both healthy and malignant cells.
What are the Benefits of Theranostics?
Theranostics can often provide a dual benefit for cancer patients: extending their lives and enhancing their well-being, even if it does not generally cure the disease. Since its side effects are minimal and clear a patient’s system swiftly, it can be an effective tool for easing cancer symptoms.
Why is Tampa General Offering Theranostics?
Tampa General is committed to harnessing innovative advances in cancer care to provide our patients with the most advanced therapies available. Due to the specialized, complex nature of theranostics, Tampa General is an early adopter of the approach and is one of the few in the Tampa Bay region currently able to offer it.
Specialized facilities, combined with imaging and radiopharmaceutical expertise, allow Tampa General to bring this advanced precision treatment to our patients
Cancer treatments are becoming more personalized and precision-oriented, and theranostics are set to play an increasingly prominent role in the treatment landscape. With Tampa General’s extensive radio-oncology program, the TGH Cancer Institute is well-positioned with the biomedical infrastructure, imaging and treatment technology, and specialized training to lead the region in the use of this innovative, novel therapy.
Why Choose TGH for Theranostics
Tampa General has the specialized expertise across multiple fields, including nuclear medicine, radiology, and imaging, that theranostics requires. Combining clinical expertise and innovative medical technologies to create a coordinated patient experience is the hallmark of what we do.
Talk to a TGH radiation oncologist today to determine if theranostics is an option for you or your loved one. Call (813) 844-7585 for more information.