Knowing exactly where cancer is located and how best to treat it.
Across Alberta’s cancer centres, discoveries are increasingly moving from research and clinical trials into real-world patient care. Theranostics is one example of this progress already improving care for Albertans facing prostate cancer.
Theranostics combines advanced imaging with targeted treatment, helping doctors detect cancer and treat it with greater precision. By linking detection and treatment, clinicians can move from diagnosis to treatment with greater confidence.
PSMA PET scans are an essential component of the theranostics treatment approach in action.
These scans use a Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) marker — a target for a radioactive tracer that binds to prostate cancer cells, causing them to light up on imaging — much like turning on a lightbulb. The result is a clearer picture that improves the way prostate cancer is detected, provides better understanding of the extent of the disease and identifies patients who could benefit from a targeted theranostics treatment approach.
The same PSMA marker used to detect prostate cancer can also be targeted to deliver treatment directly to those cancer cells. Patients with advanced prostate cancer and positive PSMA PET scan findings may qualify to receive therapies such as lutetium or Pluvicto. Lutetium delivers radiation directly to cancer cells that overexpress this PSMA marker, while limiting damage to healthy tissues.
Clinical trials show that PSMA-targeted therapy can extend survival for patients with advanced prostate cancer and limited treatment options.
Donors helped fund the clinical trial that introduced PSMA PET imaging in Alberta and allowed patients to participate in the clinical trials that have supported the use of theranostics in standard of care.
The Foundation matched the Government of Alberta’s $3 million investment, helping make this approach available for Albertans. Before this investment, access to PSMA PET imaging was limited. Today, hundreds of Albertans have received PSMA PET scans — expanding access to precision oncology across the province.
Beyond prostate cancer, theranostics is already advancing a new generation of diagnostic and treatment options, and Alberta is well positioned to lead in helping more patients benefit from such targeted therapies.
