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.

• The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI)
• The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)