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Treatment with radiopharmaceuticals (theranostics)

Let's explore this subject together


 

Prof Carlos Artigas,
Nuclear medicine

Theranostics is an approach based on vectorized internal radiotherapy that consists of using a single pharmaceutical agent, possessing both diagnostic and therapeutic properties, by simply substituting the attached isotope. The diagnostic imaging thereby obtained makes it possible to check whether the therapeutic target is present before administering the treatment to the patient. This method is one of the targeted therapies in oncology and is in keeping with a personalised approach to medicine. In the case of prostate cancer the approved isotope treatments used include  Radium-223 and Lutetium-177-PSMA. When injected intravenously these agents target the specific strictures of cancer cells to deliver local radiation while minimising the effects on healthy tissue.   

The radiopharmaceutical treatment revolution

Theranostics, especially with Lutetium-177-PSMA, has revolutionised the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Recent clinical trials, notably the VISION and TheraP trials, have made it possible to validate its effectiveness in treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Treating these patients is particularly complex due to the rapid progression of the disease despite hormone therapy and frequent resistance to standard therapies such as chemotherapy.   

The Willy Grégoir Prostate Cancer Clinic and the Jules Bordet Institute Department of Nuclear Medicine are proud to have participated in the VISION trial as investigator, testimony to our commitment to these innovative treatment solutions.