Integrating diagnosis and therapy: Current strategies and future directions in cancer theranostics

Nuha Khamkar; Pooja Mane; Diya Aga; Sneha Yadav; Janhavi Patil; Dhanashree Sanap

Integrating diagnosis and therapy: Current strategies and future directions in cancer theranostics

Abstract

Cancer theranostics combines diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy to support personalised treatment in oncology. Using the same molecular target for both diagnosis and therapy allows real-time visualization of tumours, better treatment selection, and monitoring of therapeutic outcomes. Radiotheranostic approaches have shown strong clinical value by enabling patient-specific imaging and dosimetry. Nanotheranostic systems, including liposomes, gold nanoparticles, and quantum dots, provide combined imaging and drug delivery functions with improved tumour targeting and reduced systemic side effects. Similarly, nanobody-based and receptor-targeted agents that recognize biomarkers such as HER2 and EGFR have shown potential for precise imaging and therapy. Artificial intelligence is beginning to support theranostics by improving image interpretation, predicting treatment response, and assisting in therapy planning. However, clinical translation remains limited due to regulatory challenges, biosafety concerns, and physiological barriers to targeted delivery. Continued collaboration across disciplines is essential to overcome these issues. As research advances, theranostics is expected to contribute significantly to precision oncology by enabling more effective, safer, and individualized cancer treatment strategies.

Keywords

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Pharmaceutical Delivery Technologies

Journal Section

Review

Authors

Nuha Khamkar
0009-0000-9764-3157
India

Pooja Mane
0009-0003-6468-4050
India

Diya Aga
0009-0001-3358-2735
India

Sneha Yadav
0009-0008-8793-0927
India

Janhavi Patil
0009-0000-4840-6358
India

Dhanashree Sanap ^*
0000-0002-4794-7598
India

Publication Date

August 3, 2026

Submission Date

January 5, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 23, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 30 Number: 4

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA22DG36DW

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Khamkar, N., Mane, P., Aga, D., Yadav, S., Patil, J., & Sanap, D. (2026). Integrating diagnosis and therapy: Current strategies and future directions in cancer theranostics. Journal of Research in Pharmacy, 30(4), 1064-1086. https://izlik.org/JA22DG36DW

AMA

1.Khamkar N, Mane P, Aga D, Yadav S, Patil J, Sanap D. Integrating diagnosis and therapy: Current strategies and future directions in cancer theranostics. J. Res. Pharm. 2026;30(4):1064-1086. https://izlik.org/JA22DG36DW

Chicago

Khamkar, Nuha, Pooja Mane, Diya Aga, Sneha Yadav, Janhavi Patil, and Dhanashree Sanap. 2026. “Integrating Diagnosis and Therapy: Current Strategies and Future Directions in Cancer Theranostics”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30 (4): 1064-86. https://izlik.org/JA22DG36DW.

EndNote

Khamkar N, Mane P, Aga D, Yadav S, Patil J, Sanap D (August 1, 2026) Integrating diagnosis and therapy: Current strategies and future directions in cancer theranostics. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30 4 1064–1086.

IEEE

[1]N. Khamkar, P. Mane, D. Aga, S. Yadav, J. Patil, and D. Sanap, “Integrating diagnosis and therapy: Current strategies and future directions in cancer theranostics”, J. Res. Pharm., vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 1064–1086, Aug. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA22DG36DW

ISNAD

Khamkar, Nuha - Mane, Pooja - Aga, Diya - Yadav, Sneha - Patil, Janhavi - Sanap, Dhanashree. “Integrating Diagnosis and Therapy: Current Strategies and Future Directions in Cancer Theranostics”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30/4 (August 1, 2026): 1064-1086. https://izlik.org/JA22DG36DW.

JAMA

1.Khamkar N, Mane P, Aga D, Yadav S, Patil J, Sanap D. Integrating diagnosis and therapy: Current strategies and future directions in cancer theranostics. J. Res. Pharm. 2026;30:1064–1086.

MLA

Khamkar, Nuha, et al. “Integrating Diagnosis and Therapy: Current Strategies and Future Directions in Cancer Theranostics”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy, vol. 30, no. 4, Aug. 2026, pp. 1064-86, https://izlik.org/JA22DG36DW.

Vancouver

1.Nuha Khamkar, Pooja Mane, Diya Aga, Sneha Yadav, Janhavi Patil, Dhanashree Sanap. Integrating diagnosis and therapy: Current strategies and future directions in cancer theranostics. J. Res. Pharm. [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 1;30(4):1064-86. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA22DG36DW