Advocacy in Theranostics: Expanding Access and Awareness Across Disciplines

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Precision Medicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Theranostics, merging diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine, offers patient-specific treatments.
• Its roots trace to radioiodine therapy for thyroid disorders, now expanding to diverse diseases.
• Theranostics is a key component of precision medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the advancements and potential of theranostics.
• To identify significant barriers limiting equitable patient access to theranostic services.
• To propose strategies for overcoming these barriers and ensuring widespread adoption.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on theranostic applications and challenges.
• Analysis of factors affecting theranostic service accessibility.
• Synthesis of stakeholder-driven solutions for equitable implementation.

Main Results:

• Theranostics has evolved significantly, offering targeted options across various diseases.
• Key barriers include geographic disparities, workforce shortages, regulatory issues, infrastructure, cost, and awareness.
• Coordinated action is needed to harmonize standards and expand the workforce.

Conclusions:

• Equitable access to theranostics requires addressing systemic barriers.
• Collaborative efforts among healthcare institutions, policymakers, and educators are essential.
• Prioritizing innovation and equity will enable theranostics to reach all patients.