Author(s): Dr Gopinath Gnanasegaran, Dr Shaunak Navalkissoor

Hospital: Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Reference: RAD Magazine, 49, 580, 20

Excerpt: 

Theragnostic nuclear medicine is a much discussed topic in nuclear medicine and is currently discussed and debated in clinical oncology with great interest and optimism. Radionuclide theragnostics generally pairs diagnostic biomarkers with radiolabelled therapeutic agents that share a specific target within the diseased cells or tissues. The clinical indications are expanding, with evolving evidence. Incorporating radionuclide theragnostics in the cancer management algorithm might improve patient selection, predict treatment response and toxicity, and help prognostication. In addition, this could avoid expensive and frequent diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. On a positive note, there has been significant growth in the science and technology related to molecular imaging and therapy in theragnostic nuclear medicine. However, on a negative note, the most common hurdle would be the limited workforce and funding for smooth implementation and transition.