The Role of Nuclear Medicine in the Theranostic Approach: A Holistic Model from Diagnosis to Treatment

Abstract

The theranostic approach is an innovative model that integrates diagnosis and treatment through the same molecular target and plays a significant role in the development of personalized medicine. Nuclear medicine applications enable the molecular imaging of disease and treatment through the same target via radiopharmaceuticals that bind to specific receptors or biomarkers. The aim of this review is to outline the theoretical foundations of the theranostic concept, evaluate the role of nuclear medicine in the process from diagnosis to treatment, and examine current clinical applications from a holistic perspective. Within the scope of this article, the place of molecular imaging methods such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the theranostic model is discussed; diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclide matches used in areas such as thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and prostate cancer are discussed in particular. In addition, personalized applications such as patient selection, individual dose planning, and monitoring treatment response through imaging are evaluated. Current literature shows that theranostic applications have the potential to increase treatment efficacy while reducing unnecessary toxicity. However, limitations such as cost, accessibility, and radiation safety remain. As a result, the theranostic approach strengthens the role of nuclear medicine in clinical decision-making processes and progressively eliminates the boundaries between diagnosis