Production and regulatory issues for theranostics

Francesco Giammarile1, Diana Paez1, Richard Zimmermann2

  • 1Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.

PubMed

Insights

Theranostics, a key cancer therapy, faces access challenges globally. This paper examines supply and regulatory hurdles impacting the availability of radiopharmaceuticals for patients with neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Radiopharmaceutical Therapy

Background:

  • Theranostics has significantly advanced cancer care in the past decade.
  • Approved theranostic agents are now available for neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer.
  • Global access to these innovative treatments is crucial for patient benefit.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore factors affecting the accessibility and availability of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals.
  • To identify supply chain and regulatory challenges impacting theranostic treatment delivery.
  • To ensure equitable global access to advanced cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on theranostic radiopharmaceutical supply chains.
  • Analysis of regulatory landscapes impacting radiopharmaceutical approval and distribution.
  • Case study examination of access issues in different global regions.

Main Results:

  • Significant disparities exist in global access to theranostic radiopharmaceuticals.
  • Supply chain complexities and manufacturing limitations hinder widespread availability.
  • Varying national regulatory frameworks create barriers to treatment adoption.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing supply and regulatory challenges is essential for expanding theranostic benefits.
  • International collaboration is needed to harmonize regulations and improve supply chains.
  • Ensuring global access to theranostic radiopharmaceuticals is critical for equitable cancer care.