Theranostics
Theranostics can improve cancer detection, leading to more accurate diagnosis and understanding of the tumor stage.
Providing new hope for patients with certain types of cancer
Theranostics is an advanced approach towards cancer that pairs novel targeted molecular imaging with a precision treatment agent, allowing for a more targeted and personalized treatment of disease.
Improving survival rates and quality of life
Theranostics is an advanced approach towards cancer that pairs novel targeted molecular imaging with a precision treatment agent, allowing for a more targeted and personalized treatment of disease. The process is typically conducted on an out-patient basis. The first step involves the injection of a targeted imaging agent that identifies cancer cells. After the approval of a multidisciplinary team of experts, you’ll receive a follow-up injection that targets the identified cancer cells. The safety, efficacy, and disease response are tracked with advanced imaging protocols that follow the targeted treatment.
Intermountain’s process draws on a unique, multidisciplinary approach involving radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiologists to ensure the highest quality of service. The demand for theranostics is increasing because of improved survival rates and quality of life for people with certain types of cancer.
A personalized and targeted treatment plan
There are many benefits to theranostics:
- Improved cancer detection, leading to more accurate diagnosis and understanding of the tumor stage.
- Better prediction of results with the use of imaging studies acquired prior to treatment.
- Effective treatment for cancer patients where other therapies have failed.
- Fewer side-effects due to advanced targeting capabilities.
- Real-time assessment of treatment effects with the use of imaging specific to the treatment you are receiving.
Theranostics represents an important leap forward in medical science, combining the diagnosis and therapy into a connected, personalized treatment plan. By leveraging the precision of a single target used for both imaging and therapy, theranostics allows us to provide more precise, effective healthcare focused on your specific needs, and results in greater hope and possibility for patients battling complex diseases.
Cancer types treated by Theranostics
Prostate and Neuroendocrine cancers can be treated with Theranostics. To learn more, read the frequently asked questions below or visit our related cancer care pages.
Our locations
Theranostics is available at the following locations.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about Theranostics.
The process is typically conducted on an out-patient basis. The first step involves the injection of a targeted imaging agent that identifies cancer cells. After the approval of a multidisciplinary team of experts, you’ll receive a follow-up injection that targets the identified cancer cells. The safety, efficacy, and disease response are tracked with advanced imaging protocols that follow the targeted treatment.
Intermountain’s process draws on a unique, multidisciplinary approach involving radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiologists to ensure the highest quality of service. The demand for theranostics is increasing because of improved survival rates and quality of life for people with certain types of cancer.
Basically, theranostics works by looking for specific molecules in your body that can identify the presence of disease. Once identified, these molecules not only help detect the disease, but also guide the use of targeted therapies. For instance, in cancer treatment, special drugs can be used to both see tumors through imaging techniques and deliver treatments directly to the cancer cells. This helps reduce damage to healthy tissues and improves the treatment’s success.
Prostate Cancer: Pluvicto (Lutetium 177 PSMA) is a new cancer treatment designed specifically for advanced prostate cancer. It works by delivering targeted radiation directly to prostate cancer cells, helping to reduce their growth and spread. Pluvicto is more targeted to prostate cancer cells than traditional chemotherapy. For many patients, this means they may have fewer side effects with Pluvicto than traditional chemotherapy. It's typically used when other treatments have not been successful, offering a new option to help you manage advanced prostate cancer, but is increasingly being used earlier in treatment given its effectiveness. The landscape on this will likely change rapidly over the coming years.
Neuroendocrine Cancer: Lutathera (Lutetium 177 Dotatate) is an innovative treatment for a specific type of cancer called neuroendocrine tumors, which often affect the digestive system. It uses a targeted approach by delivering a small dose of radiation directly to the cancer cells, helping to shrink tumors and slow their growth. Unlike conventional treatments that affect the whole body, Lutathera uses theranostics to focus primarily on the cancer cells, which can lead to fewer side effects. This therapy provides new hope if you’re facing advanced neuroendocrine tumors, especially when other treatments have not been effective.