This issue is devoted to the first successful theranostic treatment for prostate cancer.

The strategy involves a two step approach and derives it's name from the combination of the terms therapeutics and diagnostics.

First, PSMA imaging is done by linking an antibody to the PSMA molecule to a radioactive isotope optimized for imaging. If the imaging scan picks up metastatic cancer that avidly binds the imaging agent, a second anti-PSMA preparation loaded with lutetium-177 is injected.

This radioactive isotope emits beta particles with sufficient intensity kill the PSMA-expressing cancer cells. The resulting antitumor responses are sufficiently impressive that this treatment is likely to become FDA-approved

Charles E. Myers, Jr., MD

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