Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

Going to the molecular level to think big about cancer

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Conditions
February 28, 2021
3K Shares
Share
Tweet
Share

In the next few years, the biggest advancements in cancer care may occur at the smallest level, the level of individual molecules.

By imaging individual molecules on cancer cells, malignancies can be detected when they are smaller and more easily treated.  Targeting individual molecules has also allowed groundbreaking new therapies with great precision, increasing the efficacy of treatment and minimizing side effects.

This effort sounds like something out of “science fiction,” but the field of molecular imaging and therapy (MIT) is already “science fact” and impacts the care of patients with many types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, myeloma, and neuroendocrine tumors.

What is molecular imaging and therapy (MIT)?

To understand this field of medicine, it helps to imagine a lock and a key. Every tumor has molecules on it and inside it.  These are the locks.  We can design agents that specifically bind to these tumor molecules, acting like keys fitting into the locks. We can then add things to our keys that allow us to image or treat a tumor. If we add an isotope that emits a small amount of radiation that can be detected and localized in a positron emission tomography-computerized tomography (PET/CT) scanner, our key will fit into the lock and let us know where the cancer is.  If the add an isotope that emits a large amount of radiation, enough to kill cells, now our key will fit into the lock and deliver cancer-killing treatment directly into the cancer cell. MIT images and treats cancer at a molecular level.

Every treatment has side effects, and these are no exception, but because we can bring the therapy to the cancer cell through this “lock and key” approach, in general, we see fewer side effects and more precise, targeted therapy.

Currently, the field is exploding with the search for keys that help us locate and treat cancer. As we discover the right “keys, ” we’re able to use advanced imaging to locate cancer cells throughout the body.

For example, in breast cancer, the molecule fluoroestradiol attaches itself to estrogen receptors that are present in 80% of breast cancer tumors. This key can “light up” tumors on a PET/CT scan, allowing us to detect the spread of cancer more sensitively than ever before.  Keys like this exist for prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, myeloma, and other cancers.

What the future holds

For many years to come, the most effective treatment of localized solid tumors will remain surgery. So long as the cancer hasn’t spread, surgical removal of a tumor is the best chance for a cure. But for cancers that have spread, Molecular Imaging and Therapy holds tremendous promise in the near future. There is already FDA approval of MIT agents for neuroendocrine tumors and breast cancer.  I expect we’ll see FDA approval for imaging and treating prostate cancer within one to two years.

Ultimately, the goal of this field is to detect a single cancer cell, eradicate it and ensure that a patient never develops a tumor. This will take some time to achieve.  And, in another decade, I expect this field will advance beyond cancer and into cardiac treatment, neurology and infectious disease.

When we’re focused on something as small as a molecule, there’s nothing stopping the medical profession from thinking big.

Gary Ulaner is a radiologist, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, CA.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Prev

How my son helped me rediscover the art of medicine

February 28, 2021 Kevin 0
…
Next

Emergency departments need to claim their role in the social safety net

February 28, 2021 Kevin 0
…

Tagged as: Oncology/Hematology, Radiology

Post navigation

< Previous Post
How my son helped me rediscover the art of medicine
Next Post >
Emergency departments need to claim their role in the social safety net

More by Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

  • Revolutionizing depression treatment: Breaking free from ineffective medications for rapid relief

    Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
  • Take steps (literally) to prevent dementia

    Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
  • How the mind-gut connection affects total health

    Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

Related Posts

  • When breast cancer screening guidelines conflict: Some patients face real consequences

    Leda Dederich
  • Hormone replacement therapy is still linked to cancer

    Martha Rosenberg
  • Questions about pharma pricing and marketing

    Martha Rosenberg
  • We have a shot at preventing cervical cancer

    Lisa N. Abaid, MD, MPH
  • Obstruction of medical justice: How health care fails patients with cancer

    Miriam A. Knoll, MD
  • Despite progress in cancer care, cost and equity challenges still must be addressed

    David M. Aboulafia, MD

More in Conditions

  • Urgent innovation needed to address growing mental health crisis among children and families

    Monika Roots, MD
  • The importance of listening in health care: a mother’s journey advocating for children with chronic Lyme disease

    Cheryl Lazarus
  • The unjust reality of racial disparities in pediatric kidney transplants

    Lien Morcate
  • The surprising medical mystery of a “good” Hitler: How a rescued kitten revealed a rare movement disorder

    Teresella Gondolo, MD
  • The power of coaching for physicians: transforming thoughts, changing lives

    Kim Downey, PT
  • Unlocking the secrets of cancer conferences: an end-of-life counselor’s journey among pharmaceutical giants

    Althea Halchuck, EJD
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The power of coaching for physicians: transforming thoughts, changing lives

      Kim Downey, PT | Conditions
    • The hidden factor in physician burnout: How the climate crisis is contributing to the erosion of well-being

      Elizabeth Cerceo, MD | Physician
    • Why affirmative action is crucial for health equity and social justice in medicine

      Katrina Gipson, MD, MPH | Policy
    • Unlocking the secrets of cancer conferences: an end-of-life counselor’s journey among pharmaceutical giants

      Althea Halchuck, EJD | Conditions
    • Why doctors aren’t to blame for the U.S. opioid crisis [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Nose-brain connection: The surprising link between allergies and mental health revealed

      Kara Wada, MD | Conditions
  • Past 6 Months

    • It’s time to replace the 0 to 10 pain intensity scale with a better measure

      Mark Sullivan, MD and Jane Ballantyne, MD | Conditions
    • “Is your surgeon really skilled? The hidden threat to public safety in medicine.

      Gene Uzawa Dorio, MD | Physician
    • Breaking point: the 5 reasons American doctors are dreaming of walking away from medicine

      Amol Shrikhande, MD | Physician
    • Revolutionize your practice: the value-based care model that reduces physician burnout

      Chandravadan Patel, MD | Physician
    • Unveiling the hidden damage: the secretive world of medical boards

      Alan Lindemann, MD | Physician
    • Breaking the cycle of racism in health care: a call for anti-racist action

      Tomi Mitchell, MD | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • Why allowing yourself to embrace discomfort is necessary for personal growth

      Jillian Rigert, MD, DMD | Physician
    • Unconventional health care, flawed studies, and biases: Navigating the complexities for optimal well-being

      Kara Wada, MD | Physician
    • Urgent innovation needed to address growing mental health crisis among children and families

      Monika Roots, MD | Conditions
    • The importance of listening in health care: a mother’s journey advocating for children with chronic Lyme disease

      Cheryl Lazarus | Conditions
    • Medical errors and the power of apologies [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Finding your ideal work-life balance: tips for prioritizing personal life and achieving professional success

      Zahid Awan, MD | Physician

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

Leave a Comment

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

CME Spotlights

From MedPage Today

Latest News

  • FDA Warns on Certain Forms of Compounded Semaglutide
  • Fired COVID Whistleblower Doesn't Want to Settle His Case
  • Video of ACOG Presenter Being Slapped Goes Viral
  • Bed Bug Anaphylaxis; Heart Block Relationships; What's It Like to Date a Nurse?
  • TAR-200 Led to High Complete Response Rates in BCG-Unresponsive Bladder Cancer

Meeting Coverage

  • TAR-200 Led to High Complete Response Rates in BCG-Unresponsive Bladder Cancer
  • More Success for CAR T-Cell Therapy in Rheumatic Disease
  • Trial Shows RA Can Be Stopped at Preclinical Stage
  • Tenapanor Improves Abdominal Symptoms in Patients With IBS-C
  • Benefits Found for Hand OA Drug Treatments
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The power of coaching for physicians: transforming thoughts, changing lives

      Kim Downey, PT | Conditions
    • The hidden factor in physician burnout: How the climate crisis is contributing to the erosion of well-being

      Elizabeth Cerceo, MD | Physician
    • Why affirmative action is crucial for health equity and social justice in medicine

      Katrina Gipson, MD, MPH | Policy
    • Unlocking the secrets of cancer conferences: an end-of-life counselor’s journey among pharmaceutical giants

      Althea Halchuck, EJD | Conditions
    • Why doctors aren’t to blame for the U.S. opioid crisis [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Nose-brain connection: The surprising link between allergies and mental health revealed

      Kara Wada, MD | Conditions
  • Past 6 Months

    • It’s time to replace the 0 to 10 pain intensity scale with a better measure

      Mark Sullivan, MD and Jane Ballantyne, MD | Conditions
    • “Is your surgeon really skilled? The hidden threat to public safety in medicine.

      Gene Uzawa Dorio, MD | Physician
    • Breaking point: the 5 reasons American doctors are dreaming of walking away from medicine

      Amol Shrikhande, MD | Physician
    • Revolutionize your practice: the value-based care model that reduces physician burnout

      Chandravadan Patel, MD | Physician
    • Unveiling the hidden damage: the secretive world of medical boards

      Alan Lindemann, MD | Physician
    • Breaking the cycle of racism in health care: a call for anti-racist action

      Tomi Mitchell, MD | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • Why allowing yourself to embrace discomfort is necessary for personal growth

      Jillian Rigert, MD, DMD | Physician
    • Unconventional health care, flawed studies, and biases: Navigating the complexities for optimal well-being

      Kara Wada, MD | Physician
    • Urgent innovation needed to address growing mental health crisis among children and families

      Monika Roots, MD | Conditions
    • The importance of listening in health care: a mother’s journey advocating for children with chronic Lyme disease

      Cheryl Lazarus | Conditions
    • Medical errors and the power of apologies [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Finding your ideal work-life balance: tips for prioritizing personal life and achieving professional success

      Zahid Awan, MD | Physician

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

Leave a Comment

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...