Theranostics in surgical oncology

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Oncology
• Radiopharmaceutical Therapy

Background:

• Theranostics couples targeting molecules with radioisotopes for dual diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
• Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) targeting peptides are crucial for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) theranostics, utilizing isotopes like ⁶⁸Ga (diagnostic) and ¹⁷⁷Lu (therapeutic).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current theranostic applications and emerging developments in surgical oncology.
• To highlight the potential of theranostics in improving tumor detection, guiding surgery, and enhancing treatment efficacy, especially for difficult-to-treat or resistant tumors.

Main Methods:

• Review of current theranostic strategies utilizing SSTR-targeting peptides.
• Exploration of novel radiopharmaceuticals, isotopes, and combination therapies in development.
• Discussion of the role of theranostics in surgical oncology, including neoadjuvant approaches.

Main Results:

• SSTR-targeted theranostics enable high-sensitivity detection and effective treatment of SSTR-positive NETs.
• Theranostics can guide surgical interventions and improve tumor resectability.
• Ongoing research focuses on overcoming resistance and enhancing antitumor effectiveness through new isotopes and combination therapies.

Conclusions:

• Theranostics, particularly with SSTR-targeting agents, significantly benefits NET management.
• Expanding theranostic options promises wider accessibility and improved outcomes for more patients globally.
• Theranostics holds considerable promise for advancing surgical oncology and personalized cancer care.