Current Status and Advancements in Radiotheranostics and Targeted Radionuclide Therapy in Malaysia

Radiotheranostics is revolutionizing nuclear medicine by integrating diagnostic imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy using radiolabeled biomolecules. This paper highlights the current landscape of radiotheranostics in Malaysia, addressing advancements, challenges, and prospects for integrating novel biomolecules, enhancing infrastructure, and expanding access to personalized radiopharmaceutical therapies. Nuclear medicine centers in Malaysia have been operational for nearly sixty years, with approximately 40 facilities available country-wide and radiotheranostics is gaining momentum, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer using peptide receptor radionuclide therapy and prostate-specific membrane antigen-based theranostics. Despite significant progress, challenges such as limited local radionuclide production, uneven distribution of radiotheranostics centers, reliance on imports, and regulatory constraints hinder widespread adoption. The implementation of Malaysia's National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme (2021-2025) underscores the growing need for sustainable theranostic solutions.