Diagnostic Imaging in the Theranostic Era: From 131I Scintigraphy to the Latest Innovations
A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Oncology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2025 | Viewed by 67
Special Issue Editors
Interests: theranostics; nuclear medicine therapy; thyroid cancer; neuroendocrine tumours; PET
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Nuclear medicine therapies are frequently conducted with radiotracers, exhibiting multiple spectra of radiation emissions, including gamma, beta, and/or alpha rays. The distinctive properties of these isotopes facilitate the concurrent acquisition of diagnostic images and the therapeutic effects. The advent of theranostics coincided with the inception of nuclear medicine therapies in the 1940s, starting with the utilisation of radioiodine in the treatment of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism. Subsequent radioiodine-labelled molecules, including 131I-MIBG for neuroblastoma and pheocromocitoma, further exemplify the evolution of theranostics. In recent years, this field has witnessed substantial advancements, exemplified by the approval of therapeutic agents such as 177Lu-oxodotreotide and 177Lu-vipivotide/tetraxetan, accompanied by their respective diagnostic PET tracers. The ability to visualise results, calculate dosimetry, and predict therapeutic effects at a single disease location represents a pivotal innovation. There have also been encouraging research results in relation to other prospective therapeutic targets and radiotracers, which has led to heightened interest in the field of theranostics. Overall, the increased utilisation of nuclear medicine therapies is leading to broader perspectives on their limitations and potential adverse effects.
This Special Issue will provide a platform for sharing expertise, principally through original research, reviews, and perspectives.
Prof. Dr. Francesco Bertagna
Guest Editor
Dr. Pietro Bellini
Guest Editor Assistant
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Keywords
- theranostic
- nuclear medicine therapy
- thyroid cancer
- DTC
- neuroendocrine tumor
- PET
- PRRT
- prostate cancer
- radiotracers
- dosimetry
- narrative review
- systematic review
- comprehensive review
- radioiodine
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