Theranostic: a new tecnique againts cancer

Abstract

Theranostic, has positioned itself as a promising technique to fight cancer, especially when using radioactive isotopes, where it has demonstrated good efficiency in human cancer treatment and in the animal phase study. The technique basically consists in using a chemical element with several radioactive isotopes. One diagnostic (gamma or β+ emitter) and another isotope of the same therapeutic element (alpha, β+, β- or Auger electrons). These isotopes must be linked to a vector molecule expressed by the tumor cells of the corresponding type of cancer. Radioisotopes can also be encapsulated in nanoparticles.