Theranostics: When Targeted Imaging Guides Targeted Therapy

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Molecular Imaging
• Precision Medicine

Background:

• Traditional theranostics pairs diagnostic scans with matched radiopharmaceutical therapy.
• A broader, target-centric framework is proposed for theranostics.
• Molecular imaging can serve as an in vivo companion diagnostic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a target-centric framework for theranostics.
• To redefine theranostics beyond radiopharmaceuticals.
• To highlight the role of molecular imaging in guiding targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current theranostic practices.
• Conceptual framework development for target-centric theranostics.
• Integration of molecular imaging principles with therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Molecular imaging verifies target expression and guides therapy selection, initiation, and monitoring.
• The proposed framework encompasses antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy.
• Theranostics is redefined as a clinical pathway linking target biology to treatment decisions via imaging.

Conclusions:

• A target-centric model enhances the application of theranostics.
• Molecular imaging is crucial for personalized treatment selection and monitoring.
• This expanded view of theranostics supports the evolution of precision medicine.