At Hartford HealthCare, we're proud to be at the forefront of theranostics—an advanced approach that combines diagnosis and treatment in one targeted method. This innovative field allows us to tailor care for patients with certain types of cancer, using cutting-edge science to improve outcomes and quality of life.
What is Theranostics?
Theranostics combines two essential elements of care:
- Therapeutics – delivering treatment directly to cancer cells
- Diagnostics – using imaging to identify and track cancer
Theranostic agents are tiny, specialized molecules that target only cancer cells—leaving healthy tissue untouched. These agents are combined with a small amount of radioactive material, which can be used for imaging, to help doctors see where the cancer is located, and for treatment, to deliver targeted therapy directly to the cancer cells. This is called a radiopharmaceutical, and it allows doctors to both diagnose and treat cancer more precisely and effectively.
Precision Medicine
No two patients—or cancers—are exactly alike. That’s why precision medicine is a key part of our approach. By analyzing your unique genetic makeup, tumor characteristics, lifestyle, and health history, we create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Examples of precision cancer treatments include:
- Theranostics for prostate, neuroendocrine, and thyroid cancers, with other cancer sites actively being studied.
- Immunotherapy for lung cancer, melanoma, and other tumors.
- Molecular/Targeted therapies like HER2-positive breast cancer treatment. These therapies are more cancer cell-specific and generally have fewer side effects than other cancer therapies.
- Advanced imaging and AI tools to guide decision-making.
Types of Theranostic Treatments We Offer
Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)
For patients with advanced gastrointestinal and other neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), Hartford HealthCare offers advanced theranostic care using Lutathera® (Lu-177 dotatate) — an FDA-approved treatment that precisely targets tumor cells while protecting healthy tissue.
Here’s how it works:
- Personalized imaging: Diagnostic PET scans with Ga-68 dotatate or a similar agent determine whether the treatment is right for you.
- Targeted therapy: Lutathera® delivers a focused dose of radiation directly to cancer cells with somatostatin receptors that are PET positive.
- Comfort-focused care: Treatments take place in a private outpatient setting, supported by a dedicated care team.
We’re proud to be one of the busiest NET treatment programs in New England, helping more patients access the latest in personalized cancer care.
This treatment is part of a broader approach called Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT). PRRT delivers radiation directly to cancer cells for precise, effective treatment with fewer side effects.
Prostate Cancer
For men facing metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), we offer Pluvicto™ (Lu-177 PSMA-617) — a breakthrough therapy that targets prostate cancer cells expressing PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen). Hartford Hospital was the first in Connecticut to offer Pluvicto™ therapy.
This innovative treatment:
- Targets PSMA-positive cancer cells with pinpoint precision.
- Extends survival and slows cancer progression.
- Uses advanced imaging: Locametz® (Ga-68 PSMA) or similar agent ensures patients are matched to the right treatment.
We’re also at the forefront of research, participating in the PSMAddition clinical trial, which explores how this therapy could benefit patients even earlier in their diagnosis.
Thyroid Cancer
For decades, radioactive iodine (I-131) has been a cornerstone of thyroid cancer care. At Hartford HealthCare:
- We provide expert evaluation and risk stratification after thyroid surgery.
- Our team personalizes treatment using the latest genomic and molecular tools.
- We work closely with endocrinology, surgery, and oncology teams to ensure seamless care.
Research
At Hartford Hospital, our theranostic team is leading innovative research to improve how we detect and treat cancer. We're currently involved in several clinical trials focused on:
- Exploring new uses for existing radiopharmaceuticals to treat different types of cancer.
- Developing new radiopharmaceuticals to better identify and treat both common and rare cancer sites.
- Creating new options for patients whose cancer has stopped responding to current theranostic treatments.
Your Theranostics Care Team
Our theranostics program is led by a highly specialized, collaborative team including:
- Radiation Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Oncology Pharmacy
- Infusion Nurses
- Radiation Safety Experts
Program Leadership
- Dr. Andrew Salner, Medical Director, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital
- Dr. Prasanta Karak, Chief of Nuclear Medicine
National Recognition
In May 2024, Hartford Hospital was named a Designated Clinical Center of Excellence for Radiopharmaceutical Therapy by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
Safety First
Our radiation safety team ensures every treatment is delivered with the highest level of care, safety, and precision—for patients, families, and staff alike. We follow strict safety protocols and are always available to answer questions or address concerns.
Want to Learn More?
Schedule a Consultation