Theranostics
Targeted Treatment from the Inside
Theranostics uses a small amount of radioactive medicine to target specific cells or tissues inside your body.
The medicine travels through your body to find the cells or areas it is designed to target. Once there, it delivers radiation directly to them.
The goal is to treat the areas that need it while limiting radiation to surrounding healthy tissue.
Quick Facts
| How is treatment given? | Most treatments are given through an IV. I-131 is taken by mouth. |
|---|---|
| Will I need to stay overnight? | No overnight stay is described in the treatment instructions provided. |
| How long will I be there? | It depends on your treatment. Some injections take only a few minutes. Lutathera visits may take 6 – 8 hours. |
| Will I need more than one treatment? | It depends on the medicine you receive. |
| Will I need precautions at home? | Yes, for some treatments. Your care team will explain exactly what you need to do. |
| Can I be around my family? | It depends on your treatment. Some medicines require temporary limits on close contact. |
Treatment Designed to Find Its Target
Treatments We Offer
Lutathera
For certain neuroendocrine tumors
Lutathera targets specific receptors found on some neuroendocrine tumor cells. It delivers radiation directly to those cells to help slow tumor growth.
Pluvicto
For certain prostate cancers
Pluvicto targets a protein called PSMA found on prostate cancer cells. It delivers radiation directly to those cells to help destroy them and slow the disease.
Xofigo
For prostate cancer that has spread to the bones
Xofigo travels to areas of increased activity in the bones and delivers radiation directly to those areas. It can help slow the cancer and reduce bone pain.
I-131 Thyroid Therapy
For certain thyroid conditions
I-131 uses radioactive iodine to target thyroid tissue. Unlike the other treatments we offer, it is taken by mouth rather than given through an IV.
Strontium-89
For pain from cancer that has spread to the bones
Strontium-89 travels to areas of the bone affected by cancer and delivers radiation there to help reduce pain.
Your Treatment Day
Here is what to expect during your treatment visit.
We Welcome You
Your care team will get you settled, review your treatment and answer your questions.
You Receive Your Treatment
Most theranostic treatments are given through an IV. I-131 is taken by mouth.
We Take Care of You
Your team will monitor you during the visit. How long you stay depends on the treatment you receive.
We Review Your Instructions
Before you leave, we’ll explain what you need to do at home and answer your questions.
You Go Home
Follow the instructions for your specific treatment once you get home.
A Little Extra Care at Home
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be radioactive after treatment?
A small amount of radiation remains in your body for a period after some treatments. That is why you may receive temporary safety precautions to follow at home.
Can I be around my family?
It depends on your treatment. Some treatments require you to temporarily limit close contact with other people, especially children and pregnant women. Others do not have the same restrictions.
Why do I need to be careful in the bathroom?
Some of the radioactive medicine leaves your body through urine, stool or other bodily fluids. Your instructions may ask you to sit while using the toilet, flush more than once, wash your hands carefully or take extra precautions when cleaning bodily fluids.
How long do the precautions last?
It depends on the treatment and the type of precaution. Some last only a few days. Others last several weeks. Your care team will give you specific instructions.
Questions About Your Treatment?
Have a question about your treatment, your appointment or your instructions at home? Call the New Mexico Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Department.