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Case Report | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2690-8808/216
1Resident Radiology, CMH Peshawar.
2DADMS FC (N) KPK, Fort Balahisar Peshawar.
3Consultant Radiologist, CMH Lahore.
4Resident Radiology, AFIRI -MH Rwp.
5Resident Radiology, CMH Peshawar.
6Resident Radiology, AFIRI -MH.
*Corresponding Author: Nayab Mustansar, Resident Radiology, CMH Peshswar.
Citation: Nayab Mustansar, Maj R. Rafi, Col Y. Khan, Nazakat U. Khan, Farzand, et al, (2024), Role of Theranostics in Radiology: Bridging Diagnostic Imaging and Targeted Therapy, J, Clinical Case Reports and Studies, et al, 5(6); DOI:10.31579/2690-8808/216
Copyright: ©, 2024, Nayab Mustansar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received: 04 July 2024 | Accepted: 15 July 2024 | Published: 22 July 2024
Keywords: theranostics; radiology; imaging-guided therapy; personalized medicine; targeted therapy; diagnostic imaging
Theranostics, a burgeoning field at the intersection of diagnostics and therapeutics, has revolutionized the landscape of radiology. This research article explores the pivotal role of theranostics in radiology, emphasizing its applications, advancements, challenges, and future prospects. By integrating diagnostic capabilities with targeted therapeutic interventions, theranostics promises personalized medicine tailored to individual patient needs, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Radiology has traditionally been synonymous with diagnostic imaging, providing crucial insights into anatomical structures and pathological changes. The advent of theranostics, however, has expanded the scope of radiology beyond mere observation to actively influencing treatment strategies. Theranostics encompasses the dual purpose of diagnosis and therapy, utilizing diagnostic imaging modalities to identify specific biomarkers or molecular targets for subsequent targeted therapeutic interventions. This integrated approach marks a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, promising more precise and effective treatments across various disease states.
This article reviews current literature and research findings on theranostics in radiology. PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant medical databases were systematically searched using keywords such as "theranostics," "radiology," "imaging-guided therapy," and "personalized medicine." Studies focusing on the application of theranostics in different medical conditions, including oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular diseases, were critically evaluated to elucidate the breadth and depth of its impact.
The implementation of theranostics in radiology has resulted in several breakthroughs. In oncology2, for instance, positron emission tomography (PET) coupled with targeted radionuclide therapy allows for precise tumor localization and tailored treatment delivery. Similarly, in neurology3, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been integrated with focused ultrasound to not only visualize pathological regions but also administer therapeutic agents non-invasively. These examples underscore the versatility of theranostics1,4 in optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic side effects.
Despite its potential, theranostics faces several challenges. Technical complexities, regulatory considerations, and cost-effectiveness remain formidable barriers to widespread adoption. Standardization of imaging protocols, validation of biomarkers, and interdisciplinary collaboration are imperative to address these hurdles. Moreover, the ethical implications5 of targeted therapies, including patient selection criteria and informed consent, necessitate careful consideration.
In conclusion, theranostics represents a transformative approach in radiology, synergizing diagnostic precision with therapeutic efficacy. By harnessing the power of molecular imaging and targeted therapy, theranostics paves the way for personalized medicine tailored to individual patient profiles. Continued research and innovation are essential to realize the full potential of theranostics, ensuring its integration into routine clinical practice and ultimately improving patient outcomes across diverse medical disciplines.