19 Sep Theranostics could pave way for cancer cures, Madison researchers say
Wisconsin has become an emerging hub for studying and developing theranostics, an approach to treating cancer, according to local researchers.
Theranostics is a combination of the words “therapy” and “diagnostics.” By narrowly locating and targeting harmful tumors with radioactive substances, researchers hope the approach can help reduce collateral damage to other parts of the body during cancer treatments, said Jamey Weichert, a University of Wisconsin-Madison radiology professor.
In a Cap Times Idea Fest session, Weichert and other scientists studying theranostics discussed the promise of this approach. Howard Bailey, director of the UW-Madison Carbone Cancer Center, moderated the session.
“We are getting really good at targeting tumors now,” Weichert said. “This is a super exciting future cancer treatment.”
Theranostics is gaining widespread attention in the medical research field and has become a rapidly growing industry, added UW-Madison Professor Zachary Morris, who specializes in oncology. Morris said the state’s research of theranostics has raked in millions of dollars in federal grants.
Wisconsin’s promise in theranostics research in part secured the state’s status as a “regional tech hub” this year, unlocking $49 million in federal funds.