How Theranostics is Transforming Prostate Cancer Treatment
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Prostate cancer is one of the most advanced applications of theranostics today.
PSMA-targeted imaging and therapy have significantly changed how advanced prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated.
What is PSMA?
PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) is a protein found on prostate cancer cells, making it an ideal target for both imaging and treatment.
What Symptoms to Expect?
Early-stage prostate cancer typically causes no symptoms. When the tumour grows and presses on the urethra, or if the cancer advances, it can cause the following changes: Reference Cancer Australia
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
A weak, slow, or interrupted urine stream
Frequent urination, especially at night
Blood in the urine or semen
Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation
Pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs (reference Health Direct and Cancer Council Australia)
What Treatments Option are Available?
Active surveillance
Hormone therapy
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Focal therapy
Chemotherapy
Theranostics
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Theranostics for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
The word "theranostics" combines two concepts: therapy and diagnostics.
A patient receives a radioactive diagnostic agent designed to attach to specific markers found on cancer cells. Once administered, specialised imaging scans can identify where these markers are present within the body, providing clinicians with a highly detailed picture of the disease.
If the scan confirms that the cancer expresses the specific target, a radioactive therapeutic agent is administered. This treatment delivers targeted radiation directly to cancer cells, helping to destroy or slow disease progression while improving the patient’s quality of life.
How is it Administered?
PSMA therapy is typically delivered as an outpatient treatment in a hospital or specialised cancer centre. Treatments are usually administered every six weeks, with patients receiving up to six cycles depending on their individual treatment plan. Care is overseen by a nuclear medicine physician and your oncologist.
The therapy is given via an injection into a vein in the arm and generally takes around 15–20 minutes to administer. Following treatment, patients remain at the facility for approximately three hours, during which they are provided with fluids to help flush any excess radioactive material that has not been absorbed by the tumour.
Once radiation levels fall within approved safety limits, patients are able to return home the same day.
Blood tests are required prior to starting treatment and will continue throughout the course of therapy to monitor blood counts and ensure treatment remains safe and effective.
Benefits
More accurate staging
Better detection of metastases
Treatment for advanced disease
Improved precision compared to traditional methods
Ask your doctor if PSMA Therapy is suitable for you, how you can access the treatment and what costs are involved.
