Theranostics in breast cancer

Abstract

IntroductionBreast cancer is a complex disease which constitutes the leading cause of cancer in women globally. Conventional treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy; all of which have their limitations and often result in significant side effects or toxicity. Targeted radionuclide therapy based on a theranostic approach, has been successfully applied in several malignancies, such as prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and neuro-endocrine tumours. Several studies have highlighted the potential of theranostic applications also in breast cancer.AimThis review aims to provide an overview of the most promising current- and future theranostic approaches in breast cancer.DiscussionThe discussion includes pre-clinical as well as clinical data on some of the most successful targets used to date. Examples of potential theranostic approaches include those targeting the HER-2 expression, angiogenesis, aspects of the tumour microenvironment, GRPr-, PSMA- and CXCR-4 expression. Several challenges to widespread clinical implementation remain, which include regulatory approval, access to the various radiopharmaceuticals and imaging technology, cost-effectiveness, and the absence of robust clinical data.ConclusionTheranostic approaches have the potential to greatly improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for patients with breast cancer. More research is needed to fully explore the potential of such approaches and to identify the best potential targets, considering feasibility, costs, efficacy, side effects and outcomes.