The Rise of Theranostics: When Diagnosis and Therapy Go Hand in Hand
🔬 Introduction: A New Frontier in Modern Medicine
Medicine is evolving from a “treat after you find” model to a “find and treat simultaneously” model — thanks to a groundbreaking concept called Theranostics.
At RNM Centre for Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Rohtak, this fusion of therapy and diagnostics represents the next chapter in personalized medicine, particularly in cancer care and molecular imaging.
Theranostics allows doctors to use the same molecule to first locate disease using diagnostic imaging and then treat it using a therapeutic dose of radiation. This ensures accuracy, minimizes side effects, and tailors treatment specifically to the patient.
⚛️ What Exactly Is Theranostics?
The term Theranostics combines “Therapy” and “Diagnostics.”
It refers to the use of paired radiopharmaceuticals — one designed for imaging and the other for targeted therapy.
- The diagnostic agent identifies where the disease is located in the body through PET-CT or SPECT imaging.
- The therapeutic agent, using the same targeting mechanism but a different radioactive isotope, delivers a therapeutic dose to destroy the diseased cells.
In short:
➡️ Diagnose → Confirm target expression → Treat with precision
💡 How Theranostics Works: Step-by-Step
- Molecular Target Identification:
The specific receptor or protein expressed by the tumor is identified (for example, PSMA in prostate cancer or somatostatin receptors in neuroendocrine tumors). - Diagnostic Imaging:
A radiotracer such as Ga-68 DOTATATE or Ga-68 PSMA is injected and imaged using PET-CT to confirm if the receptors are present. - Therapeutic Phase:
If the tumor “lights up” on the PET image, the patient is eligible for treatment using a similar molecule labeled with a therapeutic isotope such as Lutetium-177 (Lu-177). - Response Evaluation:
Follow-up PET-CT scans help monitor how well the treatment has worked, ensuring personalized dose adjustment.
🧬 Key Theranostic Applications at RNM Rohtak
| Disease Type | Diagnostic Radiotracer | Therapeutic Radiotracer | Target Receptor |
| Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) | Ga-68 DOTATATE PET-CT | Lu-177 DOTATATE | Somatostatin Receptors |
| Prostate Cancer | Ga-68 PSMA PET-CT | Lu-177 PSMA | PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) |
| Thyroid Cancer | I-123 or Tc-99m Scans | I-131 Therapy | Sodium-Iodide Symporter |
| Bone Metastases | NaF-PET-CT | Sm-153 / Sr-89 Therapy | Osteoblastic Lesions |
Each pairing allows target verification and precision therapy — ensuring the patient receives treatment only if their tumor expresses the necessary receptor.
🌟 Why Theranostics Is Transformative
| Advantage | Traditional Oncology | Theranostic Approach |
| Personalization | One-size-fits-all | Tailored to each patient’s tumor biology |
| Efficacy | Variable | High — only patients with positive imaging are treated |
| Side Effects | Widespread | Localized and minimal |
| Monitoring | Based on symptoms | Real-time molecular imaging |
| Outcome Prediction | Difficult | Predictive before therapy begins |
This “see what you treat” strategy has already improved survival and quality of life in many patients — especially those with advanced, treatment-resistant cancers.
🧠 The Science Behind the Isotopes
- Gallium-68 (Ga-68): Used in PET imaging to detect the presence of receptors.
- Lutetium-177 (Lu-177): Emits beta radiation, ideal for targeted tumor destruction with minimal collateral damage.
- Iodine-131 (I-131): A well-established isotope for thyroid therapy, pioneering the field of theranostics.
Each isotope is carefully chosen based on its half-life, energy emission, and biological compatibility — ensuring both diagnostic clarity and therapeutic effectiveness.
🩺 Patient Safety and Care at RNM Rohtak
All theranostic procedures at RNM Rohtak are conducted under strict AERB and IAEA safety standards, ensuring patient comfort and minimal radiation exposure.
Each treatment session is overseen by our expert nuclear medicine physicians, who design individualized protocols based on tumor type, size, and response.
Patients usually experience mild, short-term effects like fatigue or dry mouth, but the benefits often far outweigh these temporary discomforts.
🚀 The Future of Theranostics
Theranostics represents the future of cancer management — bridging diagnosis, therapy, and outcome tracking.
Emerging research in Alpha-Emitter Therapies (e.g., Actinium-225 PSMA) and immuno-theranostics promises even greater precision and reduced toxicity.
At RNM Rohtak, we are committed to advancing these frontiers — making world-class nuclear medicine accessible to patients across North India.
🏥 About RNM Rohtak
RNM Centre for Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Rohtak, is a pioneer in nuclear medicine diagnostics and therapy, offering PET-CT, SPECT-CT, and radionuclide therapies under expert supervision.
Our integrated approach to Theranostics ensures that patients receive care backed by the latest scientific innovations and compassionate medical expertise.
