Theranostics for Cancer
Theranostics: A Powerful Diagnostic Tool and Cancer Treatment in One
Radiation therapy has been used to fight cancer for more than a century. But when cancer has spread to multiple areas of the body, traditional radiation can be limited—because it’s usually aimed at one location at a time and can affect healthy tissue nearby. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) highlights a newer approach that is changing what’s possible for advanced and metastatic cancers: theranostics.
What Is Theranostics?
Theranostics combines the words therapy and diagnostics. It’s a treatment strategy that uses radioactive medicines to first find cancer cells and then treat them—using the same target. MSK’s theranostics motto captures the concept simply: “We see what we treat, and we treat what we see.”
How Theranostics Works
Theranostics typically happens in two steps:
- Find the cancer (“see it”)
Doctors infuse a patient with a radioactive drug containing a diagnostic isotope that binds to a specific target on cancer cells. Then a PET scan “lights up” where the drug has attached, revealing cancer sites that may be hard to see on standard imaging. - Treat the cancer (“treat it”)
If the target is confirmed, doctors give a treatment version of the same approach—this time loaded with a therapeutic isotope. The radiation works like a highly precise “smart bomb,” damaging cancer cell DNA while helping protect surrounding healthy tissue.
Why Theranostics Is Such a Big Deal
MSK notes several practical advantages of theranostics, especially for cancers that have spread:
- It can reveal the exact location of cancer cells that might be missed on conventional scans.
- It can help doctors evaluate whether treatment is working sooner.
- It can help clinical trials move more efficiently from imaging to treatment phases.
- It can treat multiple sites of disease throughout the body, not just one spot at a time.
- Even when it isn’t a cure, theranostics can be meaningful because it may offer effective control with good tolerability—supporting quality of life and daily living for many patients.
A Real Example: Theranostics for Metastatic Prostate Cancer (Pluvicto)
MSK shares the story of a patient with metastatic (stage 4) prostate cancer who joined a clinical trial using lutetium-177 PSMA-targeted therapy (Pluvicto). The treatment targets PSMA, a protein on prostate cancer cells, delivering radiation directly to those cells.
MSK also notes that the FDA approval expanded in 2025 to include more patients—specifically, people who had not yet received chemotherapy, increasing who may be eligible for this type of treatment.
Theranostics Beyond Prostate Cancer
Theranostics is also being developed for other cancers. MSK describes ongoing work to identify new targets, including efforts in neuroendocrine cancers and research into targets like DLL3. MSK researchers are also working toward theranostics applications in cancers such as breast cancer, brain tumors, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.
What’s Next: A More Powerful Next Wave (Alpha Particles)
MSK highlights a “next wave” of theranostics using alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals—described as the most powerful form yet—and notes they opened a facility dedicated to producing these agents for clinical trials.
Questions to Ask Your Care Team
If you or a loved one is living with advanced cancer, you might consider asking:
- Do I have a target (biomarker) that could make me eligible for theranostics?
- Would a PET scan help identify targets or sites of disease more clearly?
- Are there clinical trials involving targeted radionuclide therapy that fit my diagnosis?
- What side effects are typical, and how might this compare to other options?
(This is informational only—your oncology team can help you understand what’s appropriate for your specific diagnosis.)
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Reference:
https://www.mskcc.org/news/theranostics-powerful-diagnostic-tool-and-cancer-treatment-in-one
FIBER It Does a Body Good
Fiber and Cancer Prevention: Why It Matters
Should you be eating more fiber to help prevent cancer? And how much do you really need to reduce your risk?
It could be time for a fiber tune-up of your diet. Most American adults get only half the recommended daily dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Clinical dietitian-nutritionist Cara Anselmo, MS, RDN, is an expert in breast cancer nutrition and is a certified specialist in obesity and weight management.
“Eating more fiber is often overlooked as one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves,” Anselmo says.
Fiber not only improves heart health, reduces diabetes risk, and aids in weight control, it may reduce the risk of several common cancers such as colorectal cancer.
How Does Fiber Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Cancer?
Dietary fiber has long been linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. Colon cancer rates are increasing among young adults. Because less than 10% of adults are getting enough fiber, scientists think this trend may be connected.
One of the main ways that fiber helps to protect against colon cancer, according to Anselmo, is by fostering a healthy population of bacteria in the colon, known as the microbiome. Fiber remains in the colon after other components of the diet become absorbed by the body.
“When fiber is fermented by the bacteria in our colon,” Anselmo says, “it produces metabolites, which reduce inflammation and protect the colon cells from becoming cancerous. These metabolites can also activate our immune system and increase anti-cancer immunity.”
Fiber also has several other effects that improve our metabolic health, which indirectly lowers the risk of several cancers. For example, fiber can increase the speed at which food passes through the gut, which can lower absorption and exposure time to less healthy foods we may have consumed. Fiber can also lower cholesterol levels.
What Is a High-Fiber Diet?
A high-fiber diet means you eat foods that are rich in this type of carbohydrate, found mainly in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, and legumes. Consuming more than 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day is generally considered to be a high-fiber diet.
What Are the Kinds of Fiber?
There are two main types of dietary fiber — soluble and insoluble. Both types of fiber are healthy and can lower cancer risk.
Soluble fiber attracts water into the intestines and becomes a gel. It can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Foods higher in soluble fiber include:
• Oats
• Beans
• Citrus fruits
• Peas
Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. It can help move food through your digestive system, absorb water to provide bulk, and may help prevent constipation. Foods higher in insoluble fiber include:
• Whole grains
• Some vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
How Much Fiber Do You Need?
The MSK registered dietitian-nutritionist team recommends that most people eat 25 grams of fiber per day. “Consume half of your fiber from whole foods like whole grains, vegetables, and beans,” Anselmo advises. “Fiber-supplemented products are not as effective as whole foods and may not have additional nutrients that help you reach your optimal health.”
Anselmo also stresses the importance of staying well hydrated when increasing dietary fiber in order to minimize potential symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort as your gastrointestinal tract adapts to new changes. She reminds patients to always ask their cancer care team if they should follow any special diet before, during, or after treatment.
How Is MSK Researching the Role of Fiber and Cancer?
Studies are underway to help determine a person’s optimal dose of fiber to prevent cancer, based on their biology, genetics, and lifestyle.
MSK is also investigating which bacteria are involved in fermenting fiber into the metabolites that protect against various cancers, including breast, skin, prostate, colon, and rectal cancer. If scientists can identify a specific bacterial signature, other interventions such as bacterial transplants may work to reduce cancer risks.
Finally, there are ongoing studies testing whether fiber intake and certain probiotic compounds might enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering News- 2025, Issue 1)
Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like fiber and cancer prevention, the benefits of fasting, along with other important aspects of living with Stage 4 cancer. Become a member of our community to gain access to trusted resources, online support and education from Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT, medical updates, and invitations to supportive virtual gatherings.
A New Cancer Therapy: Exercise
How Exercise May Help Improve Energy, Brain Function, and Recovery During and After Cancer Treatment
Many people facing cancer treatment are told to rest—and while rest is important, research is showing something surprising:
Exercise may be one of the most powerful tools to support recovery during and after cancer treatment.
In fact, new research suggests that movement doesn’t just improve energy and strength—it may even play a role in how the body responds to cancer itself.
What Cancer Patients and Astronauts Have in Common
New cancer patients may be surprised to learn they share something in common with astronauts in space.
According to researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering, the effects of inactivity during cancer treatment can be similar to what astronauts experience in zero gravity. Both can lead to:
- Loss of muscle strength
- Reduced cardiovascular fitness
- Changes in brain function
NASA researchers even use the term “space fog”—a condition that closely resembles what cancer patients often call chemo brain.
What Is Chemo Brain (Chemo Brain Fog)?
Chemo brain, also called chemo brain fog, refers to cognitive changes that can happen during or after cancer treatment.
People often describe it as:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Trouble finding the right words
- Mental “slowness” or fogginess
These symptoms can be frustrating and may affect work, relationships, and daily life.
Chemo brain is not just “in your head.” It is a real and recognized side effect of cancer treatment, likely caused by a combination of:
- Chemotherapy effects on the brain
- Inflammation
- Fatigue
- Stress and emotional strain
How Long Does Chemo Fatigue Last?
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment.
For many people:
- Fatigue begins during treatment
- It may continue for weeks or months afterward
- Some experience longer-term fatigue, especially after intensive treatment
Unlike normal tiredness, chemo fatigue does not always improve with rest alone. This is where new research is changing the conversation.
How to Regain Energy After Chemotherapy
It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the most effective ways to regain energy after chemotherapy is through gentle, consistent movement.
Research shows that exercise can:
- Improve energy levels
- Reduce fatigue
- Support heart and lung function
- Help rebuild muscle strength
- Improve mood and mental clarity
Even small amounts of movement—like walking a few times a week—can make a meaningful difference.
A Shift in Thinking: Exercise as Therapy
Contrary to popular belief, the best way to recover from cancer treatment is not always to stay in bed.
Exercise physiologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering emphasize that:
- Regular movement improves both physical and mental health
- Exercise helps reduce long-term side effects of treatment
- Patients who exercise experience less decline in overall fitness
In one study, people undergoing chemotherapy experienced a 15% drop in fitness levels, similar to a decade of aging—but exercising just three times per week significantly reduced that decline.
Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors
While every person’s situation is different, general exercise guidelines for cancer survivors often include:
- Start slow and build gradually
- Aim for light to moderate activity (like walking)
- Work toward 150–225 minutes per week, if possible
- Include both aerobic activity and strength training
- Listen to your body and rest when needed
It’s always best to speak with your care team or an exercise specialist before starting a new routine.
Can Exercise Help Chemo Brain?
Emerging research suggests that exercise may also help improve cognitive function.
Chemo Brain Exercises That May Help:
- Walking or light cardio (improves blood flow to the brain)
- Strength training (supports brain-body connection)
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Mind-body practices like yoga
Exercise may help:
- Improve focus and attention
- Support memory function
- Reduce mental fatigue
This is one of the reasons researchers are studying exercise not just as recovery—but as a form of therapy.
A Groundbreaking Clinical Trial on Exercise and Cancer
In a first-of-its-kind clinical trial, researchers studied how different “doses” of exercise affected men with prostate cancer before surgery.
Participants were assigned structured exercise plans ranging from:
- 90 minutes per week
- Up to 450 minutes per week
The results were surprising.
Most of the benefit occurred at 225 minutes per week (about 3 hours and 45 minutes)—with no added benefit beyond that level. This challenges the idea that more exercise is always better.
Can Exercise Affect Cancer Itself?
Researchers are now exploring whether exercise can do more than improve symptoms.
Early evidence suggests exercise may:
- Influence tumor biology
- Improve how treatments work
- Potentially slow cancer progression
While more research is needed, this opens the door to a new concept:
Exercise as part of cancer treatment—not just recovery.
Finding a Sense of Control During Cancer
For many patients, exercise provides something just as important as physical benefits—a sense of control.
During a time when so much feels uncertain, movement can be:
- A daily routine
- A personal goal
- A way to actively participate in your healing
As one patient shared, exercise became something “100% under my control” during treatment.
Why This Matters
This research is changing how we think about cancer care.
Instead of focusing only on treatment, there is growing recognition that:
- Supporting the whole body matters
- Recovery is active, not passive
- Small, consistent steps can lead to meaningful improvements
Exercise is not a cure—but it is a powerful tool.
(Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering News- 2025, Issue 1)
Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like exercise and cancer treatment, along with other important aspects of living with Stage 4 cancer. Become a member of our community to gain access to trusted resources, online support and education from Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT, medical updates, and invitations to supportive virtual gatherings.
