
Physicians advocate for advanced theranostics in cancer care to reduce side effects
Cancer and radiopharmaceutical specialists are advocating for the wider adoption of theranostics in Nigeria. They state that this precision oncology approach can improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment and reduce side effects compared to conventional therapies. Theranostics works by identifying and targeting specific tumor pathways, thereby sparing healthy tissues. These experts made their call at the International Symposium on Radiopharmaceutical Therapy 2026 in Lagos. The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, emphasized that radiopharmaceutical therapy is a crucial advancement in modern medicine, offering more targeted and effective cancer treatment. He urged Nigeria to embrace innovation, strengthen research, build a skilled workforce, and establish the necessary infrastructure and regulatory systems for advanced therapy. Dr. Masha Maharaj, President-elect of the World Association of Radiopharmaceutical and Molecular Therapy, described theranostics as an advanced alternative to chemotherapy, noting that it directly targets tumor cells with minimal harm to adjacent healthy cells. She added that theranostics improves patients' quality of life and can move a disease from an end stage to an improved or curative state. Dr. Maharaj, also Director of Operations at Loveworld Medical Centre LMC, confirmed that LMC has already conducted actinium treatment for breast, sarcoma, and lung cancer patients. Symposium chairman Dr. Emeka Eze, who is also the LMC Chief Medica



