Nuha I. KHAMKAR, Pooja S. MANE, Diya H. AGA, Sneha J. YADAV, Janhavi J. PATIL, Dhanashree P. SANAP
Journal of Research in Pharmacy - 2026;30(4):1064-1086
Cancer theranostics combines diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy to support personalised treatment in oncology. Using the same molecular target for both diagnosis and therapy allows real-time visualization of tumours, better treatment selection, and monitoring of therapeutic outcomes. Radiotheranostic approaches have shown strong clinical value by enabling patient-specific imaging and dosimetry. Nanotheranostic systems, including liposomes, gold nanoparticles, and quantum dots, provide combined imaging and drug delivery functions with improved tumour targeting and reduced systemic side effects. Similarly, nanobody-based and receptor-targeted agents that recognize biomarkers such as HER2 and EGFR have shown potential for precise imaging and therapy. Artificial intelligence is beginning to support theranostics by improving image interpretation, predicting treatment response, and assisting in therapy planning. However, clinical translation remains limited due to regulatory challenges, biosafety concerns, and physiological barriers to targeted delivery. Continued collaboration across disciplines is essential to overcome these issues. As research advances, theranostics is expected to contribute significantly to precision oncology by enabling more effective, safer, and individualized cancer treatment strategies.
