Theranostic and nanotheranostic probes in nuclear medicine

In nuclear medicine, a theranostic probe describes a substance that combines diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities by radiolabeling it with different radionuclides. Next to a brief description of the different emitters (α, β+, β−, γ) used for imaging and/or therapy, the aim of this review is to summarize the most commonly used theranostic probes in nuclear medicine. Another goal is to give an idea which chemical requirements need to be fulfilled for radiolabeling with either therapeutic and/or diagnostic relevant nuclides. Furthermore, a perspective is given into the field of nanotheranostics which is gaining more and more attention in nuclear medicine. The combination has been called radionanomedicine and is a very proliferative field with an enormous potential.