Theranostics: The New Era of Targeted Imaging & Therapy

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

By: Ginger Blackmon | Nic Mastascusa

Nuclear pharmacy is rapidly moving from the background to the forefront of oncology care.

In this season finale episode, Nic Mastiscusa, PharmD, Chief Nuclear Pharmacist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, breaks down how theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapies are changing the way certain cancers are diagnosed and treated. Nick explains how targeted radioactive drugs can both locate tumors and deliver therapy, what this means for diseases like neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer, and why concepts such as alpha vs. beta emitters and dosimetry matter clinically.

This episode is ACPE accredited for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and is worth 0.5 credit.

Learning Objectives

Explain the evolution of radiopharmaceuticals and the development of theranostic pairs used to identify, treat, and monitor cancer.
Differentiate theranostic radiopharmaceutical therapy from external beam radiation by describing isotope selection, targeting mechanisms, and basic dosimetry principles.

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Additional Information

Nic is the Chief Nuclear Pharmacist and Nuclear Medicine Clinical Director at University of Iowa Healthcare and practices in the Nuclear Medicine Theranostic clinic, overseeing the daily radiopharmacy clinical and research functions. He is a faculty member at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and the University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, where he instructs radiology residents, nuclear medicine technology students, and pharmacy students. He is the current chair for the BPS Specialty Council on Nuclear Pharmacy and Chair Elect for the APhA Radiopharmaceuticals Community. He is also entering his second term on the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB), where he chairs multiple committees as a representative for nuclear pharmacy.

This activity is ACPE accredited for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. CE credit is available upon successful completion of the post-activity requirements. Access the CE activity here.

CE Disclosures
Nic Mastascusa, PharmD, R.Ph., BCNP discloses affiliations with NMTCB and NANP.

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