OBJECTIVE

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) theranostics is changing the face of prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy. PSMA, a transmembrane protein over-expressed in many prostate cancers, is a promising target for theranostics. Theranostics is the concept of small molecule proteins that are labelled to different radionuclides and can be used for either diagnosis or therapy, dependent on whether they are labelled with an imaging or therapy radionuclide. By directly targeting the cancer cells with imaging and then for therapy, this approach embodies the philosophy of precision medicine - right drug, right time, right dose. The question is how to best utilise these new imaging and therapy agents in clinical practice. This review will evaluate the importance of PSMA in prostate cancer, its role in diagnostic imaging, and its potential as a therapy of advanced prostate cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, professional websites were searched.

CONCLUSION

PSMA-directed theranostics has an expanding role in prostate cancer because of its utility as a sensitive diagnostic tool that can be coupled with efficacious and low-toxicity therapeutic options. Ongoing research is required to determine how to use this effective tool for best patient care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

PSMA theranostics is rapidly being incorporated into the routine care of men with prostate cancer. Understanding its strengths, its limitations, and where it may be valuable in clinical care is important in undertaking best patient practice.