Perhaps the forerunner in this confluence is the field of theranostics— whereby radioisotopes are used to first image a patient's tumor for diagnostics and then therapeutically treat it. GE HealthCare, traditionally known for its medical imaging, is actively expanding into this area. ‘While the theranostics market is still developing, its potential is immense. With over 20 new drugs expected in the next five to 10 years, we are optimistic about its growth and impact on patient care worldwide,’ shares GE HealthCare’s President & CEO of Imaging, Roland Rott. The company has introduced new devices and updated traditional ones to become an integral part of that trend: ‘For example, in cancer care, our PET imaging system, Omni Legend, is optimized for diagnostic radioisotopes that visualize certain tumors, so specialists can confirm this cancer is treatable using targeted radionuclide therapies, which are known for precisely attacking the cancer while sparing healthy tissues,’ Rott illustrates.
In addition to limited toxicity, theranostics address overtreatment, which is a far too common problem. Many treatments are administered to patients who lack the molecular target needed for the therapy to work. ‘The fundamental principle of theranostics is: "What you see is what you treat." If the imaging scan does not detect a target on a patient's tumor, then the therapy is not administered, thereby avoiding unnecessary treatment,’ stresses Manfred Rüdiger, the CEO of Ariceum Therapeutics, a German biotech. This has the added benefit of considerably cutting healthcare costs: ‘Imaging is relatively inexpensive compared to treatment—approximately $1,000 for imaging versus $100,000 for therapy. If only 10 percent of scanned patients are eligible for treatment, the financial savings from avoiding ineffective treatments are substantial,’ Rüdiger points out.