Alberto Vargas, MD, presented “Biology of the Radiotheranostic Approach” during the 27th Annual Southwest Prostate Cancer Symposium conference on October 17, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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How to cite: Vargas, Alberto. “Biology of the Radiotheranostic Approach.” October 17, 2024. Accessed Feb 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/biology-of-the-radiotheranostic-approach/
Biology of the Radiotheranostic Approach – Summary
Alberto Vargas, MD, offers an in-depth exploration of theranostics in oncology, particularly focusing on prostate cancer. In this 21-minute presentation, Dr. Vargas delves into the components of radiopharmaceuticals, emphasizing the combination of a radioactive isotope and a biologically active molecule, forming the foundation of both imaging and therapeutic applications.
Dr. Vargas addresses PET imaging, highlighting the role of isotopes like F-18 and Gallium-68 in PSMA PET-CT scans. Innovations in PET technology, such as whole-body scanners, have optimized efficiency, reducing scan times and increasing throughput in clinical settings. In addition, Vargas discusses high-energy isotopes like lutetium and radium, comparing these particles and emphasizing their distinct tissue penetration, energy levels, and effects, which influence therapeutic strategies. Future directions, including novel isotopes and agents like FAPI, are explored, promising expanded applications across cancer types.
About the 27th Annual Southwest Prostate Cancer Symposium:
Presented by Program Chairs Nelson N. Stone, MD, Richard G. Stock, MD, and William K. Oh, MD, this conference educated attendees about advances in the management of localized and advanced prostate cancer, with a focus on imaging, technology, and training in the related devices. It included a scientific session, as well as live demonstrations of surgical techniques. You can learn more about the conference here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alberto Vargas, MD, is a specialist in oncological and molecular imaging at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Vargas is a professor and vice chair of oncologic imaging and strategy within the Department of Radiology. Dr. Vargas earned his medical degree from Central University of Venezuela in Caracas. He completed a fellowship in oncologic imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where he also completed his residency.
Dr. Vargas’ clinical and research interests focus on the use of advanced-imaging modalities, including diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and novelpositron emission tomography (PET) tracers for the non-invasive diagnosis, staging, treatment response assessment, and follow-up of patients with cancer. Dr. Vargas is especially interested in imaging patients with cancers involving the urinary system (e.g. prostate, bladder, and kidneys) and the female reproductive organs (e.g. uterus and ovaries).
