Advances in functional radionuclide imaging and therapy for individualized management of patients: the growing importance of Nuclear Theranostics in Precision Oncology Practice

ABSTRACT Introduction This review communication explores the recent advances in radionuclide imaging, targeted therapies, and the strategies for amalgamating together to develop precision theranostic approaches to cater to individual patient’s needs. Areas covered The growing role of functional imaging techniques like PET and SPECT is highlighted, that aids in guiding treatment by tracking the disease course and nature, for selection and modification of treatment. The complexities of diagnostics and therapeutics in assessing and predicting the response & toxicities, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach with expertise from Nuclear Medicine physicians, oncologists, radio-pharmacy, and medical physics for optimal patient outcomes are also discussed. Expert opinion Nuclear medicine is advancing through discovery of new targets and new radiopharmaceutical molecules targeting them, enabling early diagnosis and augmenting better management of patients with malignancies with augmentation of a personalized approach. However, challenges like limited availability, high costs and shortage of workforce impede its widespread implementation, though there has been enormous development of the modality across the world. Further growth may be noted in the lines of omics integration, AI-augmented diagnostics and data analysis, regular usage of dosimetry and wider availability of nuclear medicine at an affordable rate, especially in low-income regions.