Theranostics is the "see it, treat it" approach. A diagnostic tracer confirms the molecular target is
present. A therapeutic isotope then delivers radiation directly to those cells, largely sparing
surrounding tissue. The same biology that makes a cancer visible is what makes it treatable.
HCG's Theranostics Center in Bangalore brings together molecular imaging, radiopharmaceutical expertise,
and isotope therapy in a single integrated program, one of the most complete in the country.
Targeted Isotope Therapies
Lu-177 PSMA: PSMA is overexpressed on most prostate cancer cells. A PSMA PET/CT first
confirms receptor expression; if confirmed, Lu-177 PSMA therapy delivers targeted beta radiation with
precision that systemic chemotherapy can't replicate.
Lu-177 DOTATATE & Actinium-225: Many neuroendocrine tumors overexpress somatostatin
receptors, which Lu-177 DOTATATE exploits directly. For patients with more aggressive or progressive
disease, Actinium-225 offers an alpha-emitting alternative with an even shorter radiation range,
reducing collateral damage further.
Access to Actinium-225 remains limited to a small number of centers in India. HCG Bangalore is among
them.
FAPi Therapy: FAPi-based theranostics targets the fibroblast activation protein
expressed in the tumor microenvironment across several cancer types, including some that don't respond
well to conventional imaging. Research in this area is still evolving, and HCG includes FAPi therapy for
select cases where standard approaches offer limited diagnostic or therapeutic value.
Targeted Radioiodine Therapy
For differentiated thyroid cancers, Radioiodine Therapy (I-131) uses the thyroid's natural iodine uptake
to deliver targeted radiation after thyroidectomy. It remains one of the most established forms of
targeted cancer therapy available, and HCG administers it in dedicated isotope suites with full
radiation safety protocols.
Digital PET/CT
HCG Bangalore houses a high-end digital PET/CT scanner that offers improved sensitivity over
earlier-generation systems, detecting smaller lesions with greater clarity. A staging scan that
misses a small lymph node can alter an entire treatment plan. That precision gap is where digital
PET/CT earns its place. FDG is the most common tracer used for staging and treatment response
assessment across lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and head and neck cancers. Specialized tracers, PSMA,
DOTATATE, and FAPi, are selected based on cancer type and the specific clinical question being
asked.
SPECT/CT (Gamma Camera)
SPECT/CT uses gamma-emitting isotopes and is the modality of choice for several specific studies.
Renal Scans (DMSA/DTPA): These assess individual kidney function and drainage,
particularly important when nephrotoxic chemotherapy or radiation fields are being planned and the
functional reserve of each kidney needs to be clearly understood before treatment begins.
Bone Scans: Technetium-99m whole-body bone scans remain highly effective for
detecting bone metastases in prostate and breast cancers, particularly sclerotic lesions that FDG
PET/CT can underestimate. In many staging and follow-up scenarios, a bone scan provides information
that other modalities simply don't capture as cleanly.
HCG Cancer Hospital in Bangalore operates its own on-site medical cyclotron, one of very few
institutions in India to do so. This particle accelerator produces the short-lived radioactive
isotopes used in PET imaging, including F-18, which has a half-life of roughly 110 minutes.
Most hospitals depend on external suppliers for radiopharmaceuticals, and this dependency may cause
logistics delays.
HCG's cyclotron eliminates that dependency, ensuring reliable tracer availability, tighter quality
control, and access to specialized tracers not yet commercially distributed. For patients, this
means fewer disruptions, more reliable scheduling, and a broader range of imaging options.
Patient Safety & Specialized Isotope Wards
HCG's dedicated isotope suites are single-occupancy rooms with radiation shielding, ventilation systems,
and continuous monitoring. Patients receiving Radioiodine Therapy or Lu-177 therapies stay in these
suites until radiation levels fall to safe discharge thresholds, verified by HCG's radiation physicists,
not estimated.
Dosimetry is precise. The exact radiation dose delivered to target tissue and organs at risk is
calculated individually for each patient. Families receive clear written guidance on post-discharge
precautions at home, including timelines for safe contact with children or pregnant individuals.
Radiation protection here is built into the clinical workflow, not addressed as an afterthought.
For patients seeking the best nuclear medicine hospital in Bangalore, HCG offers an integrated program
spanning PET/CT scans, SPECT/CT imaging, renal scans, bone scans, radionuclide therapy, Lu-177 DOTATATE,
Actinium-225, Radioiodine Therapy, and a fully operational medical cyclotron, all supported by dedicated
theranostics expertise.
Speak with HCG's nuclear medicine team to find the right diagnostic or treatment pathway for your care.
