WMIS Podcast

PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals have brought theranostics into the clinical spotlight—but what comes next? In this episode, host Dr. Mike Nickels is joined by Dr. Anna Wu (City of Hope) for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of theranostics beyond PSMA. Together, they explore what makes a strong theranostic target, how evolving tumor biology and heterogeneity are shaping next-generation agents, and why pan-cancer and tumor-microenvironment targets are gaining momentum. The conversation also dives into combination strategies, alpha-emitters, clinical translation challenges, and what the next decade may hold for the field. A must-listen for scientists, clinicians, and anyone interested in where theranostics is headed next.

Host Arvind Pathak, PhD (Johns Hopkins University) speaks with Rebecca Richards-Kortum, PhD (Rice University) about how point-of-care technologies are expanding access to early detection and diagnosis in low-resource settings. They discuss innovations in optical imaging, the role of machine learning, real-world lessons from cervical cancer screening programs, and why sustainable training and local partnerships are essential for global impact.

This special episode, produced in collaboration with the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC), features James Scongack - the CNIC’s Chair and COO of Bruce Power - discussing Canada’s global leadership in medical isotope production. From cobalt-60 to lutetium-177, learn how Canada is investing in infrastructure, building cross-border partnerships, and scaling up to meet the growing demand for radiotheranostics.

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Cutler of Brookhaven National Lab joins host Dr. Mike Nickels to explore one of the most pressing questions in nuclear medicine today: can theranostics scale? From supply chain challenges for key isotopes like Lu-177, Ac-225, and Cu-67 to infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and international collaboration, this wide-ranging conversation highlights both the urgency and opportunity in building a robust isotope supply for the future of targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy.

In this episode, Dr. Lilja Solnes (Johns Hopkins) and Dr. Martin Pomper (UT Southwestern) explore the current landscape of theranostics in clinical practice, from the early days of targeted radiopharmaceuticals to today’s breakthroughs and future directions. They discuss the success of agents like Lutathera and Pluvicto, the importance of preclinical models, the rise of alpha emitters, and the potential of combination therapies. With candid reflections on what’s working, what’s missing, and how to bridge the gap between research and patient care, this conversation offers deep insights into the evolving role of molecular imaging and therapy.

In this episode, host Dr. Mike Nickels welcomes nuclear medicine pioneer Dr. Richard Wahl for an in-depth exploration of alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals. Learn where alpha therapy holds the most clinical promise, and what’s needed to bring these powerful agents into routine care. From supply chain hurdles to toxicity management and future clinical applications, this conversation offers expert insight into one of the most exciting—and complex—frontiers in nuclear medicine.

In this inaugural episode of the WMIS Podcast, Dr. Mike Nickels sits down with Dr. Diane Abou of NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes for a dynamic conversation about the rise of theranostics in nuclear medicine. Tune in as they unpack what theranostics really means, why it’s gaining momentum, and how it's transforming the future of patient care. Learn about clinical applications, key challenges in isotope production, and why this is such an exciting time for the field.