Aspects of theranostics
In theranostics, diagnostics and therapeutics, similar molecules for cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is now most commonly applied to the field of nuclear medicine where radioactive molecules are attached to gamma or positron emitters for SPECT or PET imaging, and to beta, alpha or Auger electrons for therapy. For example, radioactive iodine was once used to treat thyroid cancer patients. Other examples include radiolabelled anti-CD20 antibodies (e.g. Bexxar) to treat lymphoma, Radium-223 for bone metastases, Lutetium-177 DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumours, and Lutetium-177 PSMA to treat prostate cancer. Fluorodeoxyglucose is the most common reagent used, which uses the isotope fluorine-18[20].