Center of Excellence

Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics

Theranostics — diagnose and treat with one molecule

Comprehensive Cancer Care. Providing ethical and accessible treatment since 1954.

Dr. R. Krishnakumar
Our vision is to deliver targeted, precision oncological care through the latest developments in nuclear medicine and theranostics.
Dr. R. KrishnakumarProfessor & Head of DepartmentMBBS MD PhD

About the Department

Theranostics — diagnose and treat with one molecule

Department Focus

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.

Precision Methodology

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.

Key Benefits

Theranostics offers whole-body reach, treating all tumour sites simultaneously including tiny deposits missed by surgery. Since the diagnostic scan proves the target exists before therapy begins, it ensures a highly personalized approach with fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments.

The Patient Journey

The pathway begins with a Diagnostic PET/CT scan to create detailed 3D images. This is followed by an Eligibility assessment; if tumour uptake is confirmed, you proceed to Targeted Radionuclide Therapy. The same molecule now carries a therapeutic isotope to lock onto cancer cells and deliver a lethal dose locally.

Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT)

Our department offers advanced TAT using Actinium-225. Alpha-emitting isotopes deliver radiation over an extremely short range (2-3 cell diameters), concentrating lethal energy precisely at the tumour while leaving adjacent healthy tissue virtually undisturbed.

Clinical Advantages

Alpha therapy offers up to 1,000 times greater cell-killing potency than conventional beta therapy, making it effective even in radioresistant tumours. It is particularly valuable for patients with limited therapeutic options, often achieving meaningful response with shorter treatment cycles.

When Should You Visit?

Consult our specialists if you experience any of the following:

Referred by an oncologist for molecular functional imaging

Confirmed candidate for targeted radionuclide therapy

Requiring palliation for widespread bone pain

Clinical Care

Conditions Treated

Prostate cancer — PSMA-targeted therapy and Radium-223 for bone metastases

Neuroendocrine tumours — PRRT with Lu-177 DOTATATE

Thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism — Radioiodine (I-131)

Primary and secondary liver cancer — SIRT with Y-90 microspheres

Bone metastases with pain — Samarium-153 or Radium-223

Inflamed or painful joints — Radiosynovectomy

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma — MIBG therapy

Interventions

Treatment Options

Lu-177 PSMA therapy

PRRT — Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy

Radioiodine therapy (I-131)

Radium-223 therapy

SIRT — Selective Internal Radiation Therapy

Radiosynovectomy

Samarium-153 therapy

Next-generation alpha therapies (TAT)

Treatment Capabilities

Advanced Therapies

Lu-177 PSMA therapy

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.

PRRT — Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy

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.

Radioiodine therapy (I-131)

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.

Radium-223 therapy

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.

SIRT — Selective Internal Radiation Therapy

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.

Radiosynovectomy

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.

Samarium-153 therapy

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.

Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT)

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.

Our Infrastructure

Facilities & Equipment

High Dose Therapy Ward

High Dose Therapy Ward

Two-Bedded Therapy Ward

Two-Bedded Therapy Ward

Fume Hood in Therapy Ward

Fume Hood in Therapy Ward

Infrastructure

Our Facilities & Gallery

High Dose Therapy Ward

High Dose Therapy Ward

Dedicated isolation facility with proper radiation shielding for radioiodine therapy and other therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures

Two-Bedded Therapy Ward

Two-Bedded Therapy Ward

Comfortable patient rooms equipped with all necessary amenities and radiation safety features

Fume Hood in Therapy Ward

Fume Hood in Therapy Ward

Ventilated enclosure for safe handling of radioactive materials in patient care areas

Heritage & History

Our Legacy

Historical

Pioneered radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer in the region.

Historical

Established advanced PRRT services for neuroendocrine tumours.

Historical

Consistent leaders in adopting targeted radionuclide therapies (PSMA, SIRT, Radium-223).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

Is theranostics safe?

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.

Q:

Will I be radioactive after treatment?

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.

Q:

How many cycles are needed?

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.

Q:

Can it be combined with other treatments?

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.

Schedule a Consultation

Expert oncology care is just an appointment away. Our multidisciplinary team is here to provide you with the most advanced care in a supportive environment.

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