Theranostics

• Helps treat neuroendocrine tumors in the stomach, intestines, or pancreas, especially when they are growing.
• May also help with certain paragangliomas, including those that have spread.
• Given every 8 weeks, for a total of 4 treatments.
• Tumor needs to show up on a Dotatate PET‑CT scan.
• Each visit usually takes about 4 to 4.5 hours at an outpatient infusion center.

• Used for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.
• Given every 6 weeks, for a total of 6 treatments.
• Cancer must be visible on a PSMA PET‑CT scan.
• Treatment is a short, 1‑minute infusion procedure.

• Treats papillary and follicular thyroid cancer, as well as hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease or overactive thyroid nodules.
• Taken as a single pill.

• Helps treat bone metastases in men with prostate cancer.
• Given every 4 weeks, for a total of 6 treatments.
• Bone metastases must be visible on an imaging test, such as a nuclear medicine bone scan.
• Treatment is a short, 1‑minute infusion procedure.

Theranostics is used to treat certain cancers, including thyroid cancer, advanced prostate cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors. New therapies are being studied in clinical trials for brain, lung, breast, and colon cancers. As more treatments are approved, we continue expanding access.

Eligibility depends on your cancer type and imaging results. Specialized scans, often PET scans, show if the treatment can reach your cancer. Your doctor uses these results to decide if theranostics will be effective, alone or with other treatments.

Your care team includes a nuclear medicine physician, nurse, technologist and a dedicated coordinator. They work closely with your other doctors to guide your care, monitor your progress and support you throughout treatment.

Before treatment, you’ll have imaging and a consultation to confirm you’re a good candidate. Treatment is given through an IV. Follow-up scans and lab work check how your body responds. Your care team monitors progress and adjusts your plan as needed.

Yes, you can bring someone with you. We encourage a support person to attend your initial consultation.

After your theranostics treatment is given, you will need to follow simple radiation safety guidelines. For your ride home, your companion should sit in the back seat on the opposite side of the driver to keep a safe distance.

Your care team will review these instructions with you so you feel confident and prepared.

The number of treatments depends on the type of theranostic therapy you receive. Your care team will review your plan with you and monitor your progress with lab work between doses.

• Pluvicto: You will receive 6 treatments, given every 6 weeks. Blood work is done every 2 weeks between doses.
• Lutathera: You will receive 4 treatments, given every 8 weeks. Blood tests are done 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after each dose.
• Xofigo: You will receive 6 treatments, given every 4 weeks. Blood work is done about 2 weeks after each dose.

Your schedule may be adjusted based on how your body responds to treatment to keep you safe and on track.

Theranostic therapy can cause two types of side effects—those you may feel and those we monitor through lab tests. As the treatment travels through your body to target cancer cells, small amounts can affect other organs like the kidneys, liver, and bone marrow. That’s why we check your blood work often to make sure your body is handling the treatment safely. If needed, we may adjust your dose or timing.

Most side effects are mild and short-term. The most common is fatigue, which usually lasts 1–2 days after treatment. Some people may also have dry mouth, changes in taste, upset stomach, or diarrhea. These tend to happen shortly after treatment and improve over time.

Less common side effects, such as brain fog or hair loss, have been reported but are rare. Your care team will review what to watch for and support you every step of the way.

Because theranostic therapy uses a small amount of radiation, your body will give off low levels of radiation for a short time after treatment. To help keep others safe, you’ll need to follow a few simple precautions at home:

• Keep your distance: Stay about 3 feet away from others for the first 3 days. For young children and pregnant women, keep this distance for 7 days. You can still be in the same room—just give yourself some space.

• Be mindful of body fluids: Small amounts of radiation can be present in sweat, urine, and other body fluids.

  • Wash your hands well and clean surfaces with soap and water
  • Men should sit to urinate for the first 3 days to avoid splashing
  • Flush the toilet twice after use for 3 days
  • Shower daily for the first 3 days
  • Throw away cleaning materials in an outdoor trash bin

• Sleep separately: Sleep in your own bed for the first 3 days. Wash your clothes, towels, and bedding separately during this time.

• Limit close contact:

  • Avoid kissing and sharing food, drinks, or utensils for 3 days
  • Avoid sexual activity for 7 days
  • Do not become pregnant or father a child during treatment and for 6 months after your last dose

Your care team will go over these steps with you and answer any questions so you feel prepared and comfortable at home.

Theranostic therapy is a more targeted type of cancer treatment. It is given through an IV, like chemotherapy, but it works differently. The treatment is designed to find and attach directly to cancer cells, delivering radiation right where it’s needed.

One key difference is that theranostics can be seen on imaging, such as a PET scan, before and during treatment. This helps your care team see where the cancer is and how the treatment is working in your body.

Traditional radiation therapy is delivered from outside the body and works best for smaller areas of cancer. Chemotherapy travels through the body but cannot be tracked with imaging in the same way and affects both cancer and healthy cells.

These treatments are often used together or in sequence. Your care team will choose the right combination to give you the most effective care based on your specific condition.

At Atlantic Health, theranostic therapy is delivered through a specialized program designed just for this type of care. Our team includes experienced nuclear medicine physicians, specially trained nurses, technologists, and dedicated scheduling staff who focus on theranostics every day.

You’ll meet one-on-one with your doctor before treatment and after each dose to review your progress and next steps. We also use regular lab work and imaging to make sure the treatment is working safely and effectively.

Our team works closely with your oncologist and other specialists to coordinate your care and choose the best treatment plan for you. We can adjust your therapy based on how your cancer responds—whether that means changing treatments or giving your body a break if the cancer has improved.

Our goal is simple: to give you the right treatment at the right time, with a team that supports you every step of the way.