Implementation of radiotheranostics : challenges, barriers, and IAEA-driven strategies for sustainable access

Abstract

Radiotheranostics represent a cutting-edge advancement in the management of noncommunicable diseases, integrating diagnostic imaging with targeted radiotherapy in a single, personalized approach. Over the past decade, the field has gained substantial momentum, with several radiopharmaceuticals now incorporated into clinical practice, most notably for neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. The pipeline of novel agents continues to grow, offering promising therapeutic options for patients with cancers resistant to conventional therapies. Despite these advances, the broad implementation of radiotheranostics is impeded by several challenges, including logistical constraints, financial limitations, resource scarcity, political instability, and regulatory and educational barriers. Overcoming these obstacles requires coordinated mitigation strategies focused on strengthening education and training, expanding radiopharmaceutical production and development, enhancing research capacity, and establishing robust quality management systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current global landscape of radiotheranostics, identifies key implementation barriers, and offers expert-driven strategies and recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency to support sustainable and equitable access to radiotheranostics.