Busto Arsizio‘s Nuclear Medicine Department Pioneers Theranostics for Prostate Cancer
A new chapter in oncology radiotherapy has begun at ASST Valle Olona’s Nuclear Medicine department in Busto Arsizio, building on its long history of metabolic radiotherapy for thyroid tumors - a practice established there as the 1950s. The department has now added radioligand therapy for prostate cancer patients experiencing metastatic progression and resistance too conventional treatments.
“From July 2025,” explains Dr. Paolo Verga, Director of the Complex Structure of Nuclear Medicine, “Theranostics has begun for patients suffering from prostate cancer in metastatic, bone or visceral progression, no longer responsive to chemo or hormone therapy. We’ve seen evident and immediate positive effects on the treatment of metastases, minimizing the side effects of radiotherapy, with a important reduction in the consumption of opiates for pain relief and a significant enhancement in quality of life.”
Currently,approximately fifteen patients have undergone theranostic treatment with encouraging results and minimal side effects.
Theranostics, a rapidly evolving field within Nuclear medicine, integrates diagnostic imaging - such as PET-CT – with targeted therapeutic intervention. This innovative approach utilizes radiopharmaceuticals, molecules comprised of a “ligand” (which selectively binds to tumor cells) and a “radioisotope” (which delivers radiation to damage those cells).
“Theranostics means I treat what I see, and I see what I treat,” explains Dr. Verga, highlighting the precision of the method. It’s a revolutionary approach to malignant tumor treatment, leveraging the unique biological characteristics of the cancer to target the tumor – and its metastases – while sparing healthy tissue.
The metabolic radiotherapy and radioligand therapy section is coordinated by Dr. Luca Pedrazzini and Dr. Alberto Baroli. This advancement marks a significant step forward in personalized cancer care at the Busto Arsizio hospital.
