Theranostics

Theranostics is a targeted molecular therapy that combines diagnosis and treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous (benign) conditions. Nuclear radiologists use a combination positron emission tomography and CT (PET/CT) scan to find abnormal cells. They then administer targeted radioactive medication that binds to and destroys those cells.

Nuclear radiologists at UT Health San Antonio have been at the forefront of clinical breakthroughs in theranostic imaging and therapy for years. As one of the only centers in South Texas offering Pluvicto® — a targeted radiopharmaceutical treatment for metastatic prostate cancer — we continue to provide state-of-the-art patient care. 

Conditions we treat with theranostic imaging and therapy

We use theranostics to diagnose and treat these conditions:

• Liver cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Thyroid conditions, such as Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid), and thyroid cancer 

Why choose us for theranostic imaging and therapy 

Our team of experts has decades of experience with theranostics. Our program offers: 

• Collaborative team approach: Our nuclear medicine doctors work with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to take a unified approach to your care.
• Exceptional expertise: Our nuclear radiologists are dual board-certified in nuclear medicine and radiology and are experts in molecular therapy.
• Inpatient care option: We provide inpatient therapy for patients who need high-dose treatments, so we can continue to monitor your response to therapy.
• Research-based therapy: Our experts are active in clinical research to remain on the leading edge of diagnostic and treatment innovations as they happen. 

Therapies we provide

We offer theranostics therapies, including:

• Pluvicto
• Radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy
• Transarterial radioembolization

What to expect during theranostics therapy

Theranostics is performed in two phases:

• Diagnostic imaging: First, you have a PET/CT scan and then a nuclear radiologist interprets the scan. You will receive an intravenous injection of an imaging radiotracer.
• The radiotracer helps locate and obtain images of all the cancer or diseased cells throughout your body. This usually takes about three hours.
• Therapy: Second, a few weeks later, a nuclear radiologist administers a radioactive medication to destroy the diseased cells that were identified through imaging. You will stay for observation for a few hours after the procedure. In some cases, you may stay in the hospital overnight.

Sometimes more than one therapy session is necessary. You may need up to six sessions, depending on your individual circumstances. This process can vary based on the type of cancer or condition and the specific therapy your provider uses.

Our team approach to theranostics

Our nuclear medicine team works collaboratively with many specialists, including:

• Interventional radiologists
• Nuclear radiologists
• Nuclear medicine technologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Oncologists
• Radiation safety team
• Urologists

Care locations

Medical Arts and Research Center

• Nuclear Medicine | 3rd Floor