Advanced prostate cancer
Lu-177 PSMA therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with PSMA-avid disease on PET — after or alongside standard therapies.
Treatments
Theranostics finds the cancer,
Theranostics finds the cancer,
then treats what it found.
Theranostics pairs two versions of the same targeting molecule: one carries an imaging isotope to show exactly where the cancer is; the other carries a therapeutic isotope that delivers radiation directly to those same cells — wherever they are in the body.
2-in-1Same molecule scans, then treats
4–6Treatment cycles, typically
6wkTypical interval between cycles
Image · placeholderPSMA PET scan images on the review console
Image · placeholderIllustration — radioligand binding receptors on cancer cells
Theranostics · What it is
Seek-and-treat radiation, in plain language.
Some cancers display a distinctive protein on their surface — PSMA on most prostate cancer cells, somatostatin receptors on many neuroendocrine tumours. Theranostics exploits that signature with a small molecule engineered to seek out and bind it.
First, the diagnostic step: the molecule is labelled with an imaging isotope and injected, and a PET scan lights up every deposit of cancer expressing the target. If the scan confirms strong, widespread uptake, the same molecule is relabelled with a therapeutic isotope — such as lutetium-177 — and infused as treatment.
The therapy circulates, binds to cancer cells wherever they are, and delivers short-range radiation directly into them, largely sparing surrounding tissue. It's the logic of radiotherapy, made systemic: what the scan sees, the therapy treats.
Theranostics · Who is it for
Cancers and situations where Theranostics can help.
Theranostics is an established option in specific, scan-confirmed situations — with new targets in active development.
Neuroendocrine tumours
Lu-177 DOTATATE (PRRT) for somatostatin-receptor-positive neuroendocrine tumours, an established therapy with durable disease control.
Scan-selected patients
Eligibility is decided by the diagnostic scan itself — treatment is only recommended when imaging confirms the target is strongly expressed.
Theranostics · How it works
Scan, confirm, infuse, repeat.
Each cycle follows the same see-then-treat logic, with imaging and bloodwork gating every step.
Image · placeholderPET-CT scanner — diagnostic tracer study
Diagnostic PET scan
The imaging version of the tracer maps every site of target-positive disease — confirming whether theranostic therapy will reach the cancer.
Image · placeholderMultidisciplinary review of PET findings
Eligibility review
Your oncology team reviews the scan, bloodwork and kidney function, and confirms the treatment plan and number of cycles.
Image · placeholderRadioligand therapy infusion in progress
Therapy infusion
The therapeutic radioligand is given as a short outpatient infusion. Simple radiation-safety precautions apply for a few days afterwards.
Image · placeholderPost-therapy imaging — confirming uptake at disease sites
Cycle monitoring
Bloodwork between cycles and periodic scans track response. A course typically runs four to six cycles, about six weeks apart.
Theranostics · What to expect
Outpatient cycles, simple precautions.
Treatment days are short: bloodwork, review, then an infusion of the therapy over minutes to an hour, with observation afterwards. Most patients go home the same day.
Because the therapy is radioactive, you'll follow simple precautions for a few days — extra hydration, flushing twice, and keeping some distance from young children and pregnant women. Your team will give you exact, practical instructions.
Side effects are generally milder than chemotherapy: fatigue, dry mouth (with PSMA therapy), nausea, and temporary blood-count changes that are monitored between cycles. Most patients maintain normal routines throughout the course.
Image · placeholderPatient resting in the observation area after infusion
Theranostics · Cost & insurance
Is Theranostics covered?
Theranostic therapies are specialised treatments, and coverage under MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans depends on the specific agent and indication. Because a full course involves multiple cycles, the cost picture deserves careful mapping upfront.
We provide a written full-course estimate at consultation, mapped against your coverage, before any treatment begins. Our care coordinator can verify your position with your insurer in advance.
Image · placeholderAARO specialists at the Centre for Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Theranostics · Your specialists
Meet Dr Daniel Tan→
Who delivers theranostics at AARO.
Theranostic therapy is planned by our oncology team in partnership with nuclear medicine physicians — with your AARO oncologist coordinating eligibility scans, therapy cycles, and how theranostics sequences with your other treatments.
Dr Daniel TanSRS · SBRT · Brain · Spine · Oligomets
Dr Jonathan TehProstate · Breast · Gynaecological
Dr Michelle TsengLung · Thoracic · Head & Neck
Dr David TanGU · Prostate
Wondering if theranostics applies to your cancer?
Book a consultation. We'll review your imaging, explain whether a diagnostic tracer scan is the right next step, and map the pathway if it is.