Theranostics Center at Northwest Medical Specialties
What is Theranostics?
Theranostics is a combination of the terms therapeutics and diagnostics and is the term used to describe the combination of using one radioactive drug to identify (diagnose) and a second radioactive drug to deliver therapy to treat the main tumor and any metastatic tumors. These therapies are given in the Nuclear Medicine Department.
Theranostics in oncology is a cutting-edge approach that combines the fields of therapeutics and diagnostics to revolutionize cancer treatment. It involves the development and utilization of diagnostic tools that can simultaneously identify specific molecular targets and provide valuable information about the tumor’s characteristics and behavior. By integrating diagnosis and therapy, theranostics aims to enable personalized and precise treatment strategies, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Northwest Medical Specialties Achieves SNMMI Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence Designation
Theranostics Treatments Provided by NWMS
Pluvicto
Pluvicto is used for previously-treated patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). It is a form of targeted radiotherapy known as RadioLigand Therapy (RLT). Pluvicto is the brand name for the drug lutetium Lu177 vipivotide tetraxetan, formerly known as 177Lu-PSMA-617. The drug travels throughout the body and targets cancer cells with the PSMA biomarker, a protein found on most prostate cancer cells. Radiation then kills the cancer cells from within.
Pluvicto is administered as an injection into a vein, once every six weeks, for up to six doses. The radiation has a short range, meaning it primarily affects the cancer cells in the immediate vicinity of the injection site, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The treatment is usually well-tolerated, but some common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and mild changes in blood counts. These side effects are generally manageable and temporary.
Xofigo
Xofigo is a treatment used for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to the bones, a condition known as metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). It is the brand name for the drug radium-223 dichloride. It is also known as Targeted Radionuclide Therapy.
Xofigo works by delivering targeted radiation to cancer cells in the bones. It is a radioactive material that mimics calcium and is preferentially taken up by areas of increased bone turnover, such as bone metastases. Once inside the bone, the radiation emitted by Xofigo damages the cancer cells, thereby slowing down their growth and reducing symptoms associated with bone metastases.
Xofigo is administered as an injection into a vein, once every four weeks, for up to six injections. Each injection delivers a small amount of radiation directly to the bone metastases. The radiation has a short range, meaning it primarily affects the cancer cells in the immediate vicinity of the injection site, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The treatment is usually well-tolerated, but some common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and mild changes in blood counts. These side effects are generally manageable and temporary.
Lutathera
Lutathera is a form of targeted radiotherapy known as Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT). Lutathera specifically targets cells that express somatostatin receptors, which are commonly found in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
The main component of Lutathera is lutetium Lu177 dotatate, a radioactive substance combined with a somatostatin analogue called octreotate. The octreotate acts as a carrier molecule, guiding the radioactive lutetium to the cancer cells that have somatostatin receptors. The radioactive lutetium emits radiation, damaging the cancer cells from within and potentially leading to their destruction.
Lutathera is administered through intravenous infusion, along with Amino Acids to protect the kidneys. Lutathera is given once every 8 weeks for 4 doses. The treatment is usually well-tolerated, but some common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and mild changes in blood counts. These side effects are generally manageable and temporary.
Meet Our Nuclear Medicine Team
Kristen Bridges, RN, BSN, CNMT, RT(N)
Kristen joined NWMS in 2023 to provide Nuclear Oncology / Theranostics services. After growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and then attending the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Kristen worked as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist for 20 years before returning to school and obtaining her Nursing Degree. For the next 10 years, Kristen continued her work as both a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and/or RN, mainly in the field of Nuclear Cardiology. She is excited to have relocated from her hometown of Las Vegas, to Puyallup, in order to specialize in the fast-growing field of Theranostics. She is happy she will be able to continue her work as both a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and an Infusion Nurse with NWMS.
In her spare time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her Rottweiler, traveling to visit her 2 adult daughters, rock climbing, kayaking, camping, and bicycling. She is very much looking forward to exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Tressa Fraker
Tressa joined the Theranostics department at NWMS in 2024, bringing over two decades of specialized experience to the team. Raised in Southern Oregon, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine from the Oregon Institute of Technology. Tressa spent 10 years mastering Nuclear Cardiology in Eastern Washington and then relocated to Western Washington, dedicating another 10 years to hospital-based general Nuclear Medicine before transitioning to her current passion for Theranostics.
Outside of the clinic, Tressa is an avid gardener and a dedicated Pacific Northwest sports fan, regularly cheering on the Mariners and Seahawks. When she isn’t tending to her garden or rooting for the home teams, she enjoys camping, spending quality time with family and friends, or relaxing with a great book and an iced coffee.