FAQ

What makes this treatment highly personalized?

Using our staging PET/CT scans and diagnostic tests, our physicians work with you to determine the ideal care plan for your specific needs. Our portfolio of nuclear oncology options covers most available FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical treatment. However, if current standards of care don’t fit your specific case, you may be a candidate for select clinical trials available at Willis Knighton Nuclear Oncology.

Even if we determine that theranostics may not be the ideal fit for you, Willis Knighton Cancer Center is a one-stop-shop for cancer care, including hematology, medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology and proton therapy. Using the world-class technologies available here, we can tailor a personalized treatment plan for you.

Where are the radioisotopes made?

Radioisotopes come from a variety of sources. Some come directly from the radiopharmaceutical vendors, while others are produced at specialized facilities. Many radioisotopes are produced at the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) in Shreveport.

What are the benefits of nuclear oncology therapy?

Radiation therapy allows doctors to target many types of cancer, regardless of stage, location or primary tumor site. Nuclear oncology allows us to make full use of the tumor-killing effect of radiation therapy, taking it to the cellular level with precise targeting. Nuclear oncology offers maximal potency against cancer with minimal damage to healthy tissues.

What are the side effects of theranostic therapy?

You may experience low blood counts, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and other acute or chronic effects following radiopharmaceutical therapy. We will closely monitor you throughout treatment and beyond to ensure that these side effects are managed effectively.

How do I know if this treatment is working?

Theranostic treatment is painless. You won’t see, smell, hear or feel it. However, you may notice physical changes throughout your body. During and after your treatment, we will monitor your progress and response to therapy using a combination of diagnostic lab tests and PET/CT or SPECT/CT scans. Your doctor will review the findings with you and, if needed, work with you to adapt your treatment to achieve the optimal effect.