What should you know about theranostics for prostate cancer?

A tracer is first used to show whether prostate cancer cells carry a target that the treatment can recognise. If the target is visible in a suitable pattern, a related medicine carrying a radioactive substance may attach to those cells and deliver radiation nearby. This is why the approach combines diagnosis and treatment in one planned pathway.

The treatment is not appropriate for every person with prostate cancer. The team considers scan findings, previous therapies, kidney and bone marrow function, symptoms, and the overall extent of disease. Other options can include hormone treatment, surgery, external radiotherapy, or supportive treatment.

Bring your scan reports, biopsy information, medicine list, and details of previous cancer treatment. Ask how the target was identified, what the treatment aims to control, how many visits may be needed, and what monitoring will follow each dose.

Tell the team about urinary difficulty, kidney problems, blood-count disorders, or medicines that affect the kidneys or bone marrow. Follow the service instructions about fluids, appointments, and contact with other people after treatment.

Seek urgent help for inability to pass urine, severe or persistent vomiting, confusion, new weakness, heavy bleeding, fever, or sudden severe pain. Contact the treatment team promptly for worsening urinary symptoms, unusual bruising, or symptoms of dehydration.

What target does my scan show, and does it make me suitable? How will kidney function and blood counts be monitored? Which symptoms should be reported between treatment visits?