What to Expect from Theranostics Treatment
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Understanding the Treatment Journey
Beginning any new cancer treatment can bring uncertainty. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident when discussing your options with your healthcare team.
While every person's diagnosis and treatment plan is different, theranostics typically follows a structured pathway that combines advanced medical imaging with targeted treatment. Your treating specialists will guide you through each step based on your individual circumstances.
Before Treatment
Before theranostics can begin, your healthcare team will determine whether the treatment is appropriate for your specific condition.
This assessment may include:
Diagnostic imaging, such as a PET scan, to identify whether the targeted molecule is present in your tumour.
Blood tests to assess kidney function, blood cell counts and other factors that may influence treatment.
Medical consultation and eligibility assessment to review your diagnosis, previous treatments, overall health and suitability for therapy.
Your specialist will explain the potential benefits, possible risks and whether theranostics is an appropriate option for your situation.
During Treatment
Many theranostic treatments are administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or specialised treatment centre.
Depending on the type of therapy you receive:
Treatment may take several hours from admission to discharge.
Some therapies are delivered as outpatient procedures, allowing many patients to return home the same day.
Your healthcare team will monitor you throughout the treatment to ensure it is administered safely.
The exact treatment schedule varies depending on the therapy, cancer type and your individual treatment plan. Some patients receive a single treatment, while others may receive multiple treatment cycles over several months.
After Treatment
Following treatment, your healthcare team will continue to monitor your progress.
This may include:
Follow-up PET or other imaging scans to evaluate how the treatment has affected the cancer.
Blood tests to monitor your body's response and recovery.
Regular appointments with your specialist to discuss progress, symptoms and any further treatment that may be required.
Many people are able to continue many of their normal daily activities during treatment, although this varies between individuals.
As with all medical treatments, side effects can occur. The type and severity of side effects depend on the specific therapy being used and individual patient factors. Your healthcare team will discuss the potential side effects with you before treatment and provide advice on how they can be managed.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Being informed can help you make decisions with confidence. Consider discussing the following questions with your treating specialist:
Am I eligible for theranostics?
Why is this treatment being recommended for me?
What are the goals of my treatment?
What results can I realistically expect?
How many treatment cycles will I need?
What side effects are possible, and how are they managed?
Will I need to take any precautions after treatment?
How will we know whether the treatment is working?
Are there any clinical trials that may be appropriate for me?
Every Patient's Journey Is Different
Theranostics is a rapidly evolving area of precision medicine, and treatment pathways continue to develop as research advances. Your healthcare team is the best source of information about your individual diagnosis, treatment options and expected outcomes.
If you have questions about theranostics, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor or specialist. Open conversations can help you better understand your options and make informed decisions about your care.
