An introduction to the clinical practice of theranostics in oncology.

An introduction to the clinical practice of theranostics in oncology. Br J Radiol. 2018 Sep 04;:20180440 Authors: Turner JH, Coleridge ST, Santayana G Abstract The medical speciality of theranostic nuclear oncology has taken three-quarters of a century to move the stern light cast retrospectively by single-centre clinical reports, to the forepeak in the bow of our theranostic craft, where prospective randomised controlled multicentre clinical trials now illuminate the way forward. This recent reorientation of nuclear medicine clinical research practice to align with that of standard medical and radiation oncology protocols, reflects the paradigm shift toward individualised molecular oncology and precision medicine. Theranostics is the epitome of personalised medicine. The specific tumour biomarker is quantitatively imaged on PET/CT or SPECT/CT. If it is clearly demonstrated that a tumoricidal radiation absorbed dose can be delivered, the theranostic beta or alpha-emitting radionuclide pair, coupled to the same targeted molecule, is then administered, to control advanced metastatic cancer in that individual patient. This prior selection of patients who may benefit from theranostic treatment is in direct contrast to the evolving oncological indirect treatments using immune-check point inhibitors, where there is an urgent need to define biomarkers which can reliably predict response, and thus avoid the high cost and toxicity of these ag...
Source: The British Journal of Radiology - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Br J Radiol Source Type: research