Theranostics — diagnose and treat with one molecule
Comprehensive Cancer Care. Providing ethical and accessible treatment since 1954.
A revolutionary approach where the same radioactive molecule both finds cancer cells throughout your body and delivers a targeted dose of radiation to destroy them — sparing healthy tissue.
The word theranostics blends therapy and diagnostics. A specially designed molecule seeks out specific targets on cancer cells. First, a low-dose version is injected to image the tumour and confirm the target is present. Then, a therapeutic version delivers radiation directly to every site of disease — even spread invisible on conventional CT. This precision means fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy or external radiotherapy, and it can treat disease throughout the entire body in a single treatment cycle.
Key benefits of theranostics include:
• Whole-body reach — treats all tumour sites simultaneously, including tiny deposits missed by surgery or external radiation.
• Confirmed before treating — the diagnostic scan proves the tumour has the right target before therapy begins.
• Fewer side effects — radiation is delivered at the cell level, minimising exposure to surrounding healthy organs.
• Personalised approach — treatment cycles are adjusted based on your individual response and tolerability.
The theranostics pathway begins with a Diagnostic scan (PET/CT) where a small amount of radiotracer is injected to create detailed 3D images showing every cancer deposit in the body. This is followed by an Eligibility assessment by the nuclear medicine team; if tumour uptake is confirmed, you are a candidate for therapy — the 'see before you treat' principle unique to theranostics.
During Targeted radionuclide therapy, the same molecule, now carrying a therapeutic isotope, is injected. It locks onto cancer cells and delivers a lethal radiation dose locally while decaying harmlessly elsewhere. Finally, Response evaluation is performed after each cycle using imaging to adapt the treatment based on how the disease responds — a truly personalised approach.
Our department is proud to offer the latest advances in targeted alpha therapy (TAT), Actinium-225 (Ac-225) based agents currently in clinical trials. Alpha-emitting isotopes deliver radiation over an extremely short range of 40-80 micrometres — just 2-3 cell diameters — concentrating lethal energy precisely at the tumour cell while leaving adjacent healthy tissue virtually undisturbed.
Alpha therapy offers up to 1,000 times greater cell-killing potency per decay event compared to conventional beta therapy, making it effective even in radioresistant tumours. It minimises collateral damage to surrounding healthy cells and bone marrow, and is effective in tumours that have become resistant to Lu-177 beta therapy.
Clinical advantages of TAT include shorter treatment cycles, often achieving meaningful response with fewer administrations. It is particularly valuable in heavily pre-treated patients with limited remaining therapeutic options. Speak to our team regarding your eligibility for alpha therapy and latest availability timelines.
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, consult our specialists:
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Advanced treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer targeting PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) receptors overexpressed on prostate cancer cells. A PSMA PET scan first confirms eligibility before treatment begins.
Uses Lu-177 DOTATATE to target somatostatin receptors on neuroendocrine tumour cells throughout the body. A DOTATATE PET/CT scan confirms receptor expression before the first therapy cycle. Typically 4 cycles are administered 8 weeks apart.
Exploits the thyroid gland's natural iodine absorption to deliver targeted radiation to thyroid cancer cells or to reduce an overactive gland (hyperthyroidism). It is one of the oldest and most well-established forms of theranostics.
Mimics calcium and is naturally drawn to areas of active bone formation. It delivers high-energy alpha-particle radiation to bone metastases in prostate cancer patients, reducing pain and potentially prolonging survival with minimal bone marrow toxicity.
Delivers millions of tiny Y-90 radioactive microspheres directly into the hepatic artery via a catheter. The microspheres lodge in small blood vessels feeding liver tumours, delivering radiation from within for primary liver cancer and liver metastases.
Radioactive colloid is injected directly into an inflamed joint under image guidance to irradiate the synovial lining, reducing inflammation and providing lasting pain relief for joints affected by arthritis or cancer-related synovitis.
Accumulates in areas of high bone turnover and delivers palliative beta radiation to multiple painful bone metastases simultaneously, providing valuable pain relief for patients with cancer spread from prostate, breast, or lung.
Next-generation Actinium-225 based agents currently in clinical trials. Alpha-emitting isotopes concentrate lethal energy precisely at the tumour cell while leaving adjacent healthy tissue virtually undisturbed.
Dedicated isolation facility with proper radiation shielding for radioiodine therapy and other therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures
Comfortable patient rooms equipped with all necessary amenities and radiation safety features
Ventilated enclosure for safe handling of radioactive materials in patient care areas
Yes. The radioactive dose is precisely calculated and the radiation range is only a few millimetres, limiting damage to healthy tissue. You will be monitored throughout treatment by a specialist nuclear medicine team.
You will emit a small amount of radiation for a few days after some therapies. You may need to stay in a dedicated isolation room for 1-2 days and follow simple precautions at home such as maintaining distance from children and using a separate toilet. Your team will provide clear written instructions tailored to your specific treatment.
Most protocols involve 4-6 cycles given 6-8 weeks apart. The exact number is adjusted based on your treatment response and tolerability. Your nuclear medicine physician will review imaging after each cycle.
Yes. Theranostics can be used alongside hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, and may be recommended before or after surgery and external radiotherapy. Your multidisciplinary team will determine the optimal combination for your individual case.
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