Theranostics
[3] The term "theranostic" is a portmanteau of two words, therapeutic and diagnostic, thus referring to a combination of diagnosis and treatment that also allows for continuing medical assessment of a patient.
For instance, ultrasound-based contrast media, such as microbubbles, can accumulate in hypervascularized tissues and release the active ingredient in response to ultrasound waves, thus targeting a specific area chosen by the sonographer.
This strategy enhances the drug's affinity and specificity towards the target and enables visualization of the treatment area, such as using superparamagnetic iron oxide particles detectable by magnetic resonance imaging.
[9] Additionally, these particles can be designed to release chemotherapy agents specifically at the site of binding, producing a local synergistic effect with antibody action.
[citation needed] Additionally, PET imaging is used to determine the suitability of patients for targeted therapies based on specific molecular characteristics, enabling personalized treatment approaches.
[12] Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is employed in theranostics, using gamma rays emitted by a radiotracer to generate three-dimensional images of the body.
MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast and is widely used in theranostics for its ability to visualize anatomical structures and assess physiological processes.
Techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI) enable the assessment of brain activation and connectivity, while diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) provides insights into tissue microstructure.
Targeted drug delivery systems hold promise in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions, as they allow for personalized and site-specific therapy.
[15] Gene therapy has shown potential in treating genetic disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, and its integration with diagnostic imaging offers a comprehensive approach for monitoring and optimizing treatment outcomes.
Molecular imaging methods, such as PET and SPECT, can be employed to visualize and quantify tumor characteristics, such as hypoxia or receptor expression, aiding in personalized radiation dose optimization10.
In theranostics, immunotherapeutic approaches can be coupled with diagnostic imaging to assess immune cell infiltration, tumor immunogenicity, and treatment response.
[7] Imaging techniques, such as PET and MRI, can provide valuable information about the tumor microenvironment, immune cell dynamics, and response to immunotherapies.
By integrating diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies, theranostics offers personalized approaches that improve treatment outcomes and patient care.
Despite the significant progress, the translation of theranostics into routine clinical practice faces challenges, including the need for standardized imaging protocols, biomarker validation, and regulatory considerations.
Non-invasive imaging modalities like MRI and computed tomography (CT) provide detailed information about cardiac structure, function, and blood flow, aiding in the assessment of heart disease and the guidance of interventions.
Theranostic approaches in cardiology involve targeted drug delivery systems for the treatment of conditions such as atherosclerosis and restenosis, as well as image-guided interventions for precise stenting or catheter-based therapies.
