Unique public-private collaboration will bring theranostics research and treatments to Kansas City
Theranostics is a precision medicine approach that employs the same targeting system to both find disease in the body and treat it using radiopharmaceuticals.
Today, the University of Kansas Medical Center, The University of Kansas Health System, Children’s Mercy and BAMF (Bold, Advanced Medical Future) Health announced their intentions to establish one of the nation’s first fully integrated theranostics platforms for both adult and pediatric patients — bringing advanced research, diagnostics and targeted treatments together in one place.
Theranostics is a precision medicine approach to care that employs the same targeting system to both find disease in the body and treat it using radiopharmaceuticals. By delivering radiation directly to diseased cells, it treats disease more precisely, minimizes damage to healthy tissue and results in fewer side effects.
“While there are radiopharmaceutical treatments being used at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, there is great potential for radiopharmaceuticals designed to detect and treat a range of diseases,” said Matthias Salathe, M.D., chief research officer for the University of Kansas. “The number of clinical trials in this area is growing exponentially, including neurologic conditions. Through this collaboration, we can offer our patients access to promising, cutting-edge investigational agents through participation in clinical trials.”
Currently, The University of Kansas Cancer Center offers theranostic treatments for certain types of metastatic prostate cancer and neuroendocrine cancer. This new collaboration will:
- Expand access for pediatric and adult patients, bringing them the most cutting-edge clinical trials, therapies and diagnostics across multiple diseases.
- Enhance collaboration and research among each entity to advance the next phases of treatments and therapies in precision medicine.
- Bring patients from across the region and beyond to Kansas City.
This unique public-private collaboration will allow all four organizations to bring both theranostics research and treatments to adults and children in Kansas City and beyond.
chief research officer
for the University of Kansas
“Through collaboration with our public and private partners, we have the opportunity to quickly deliver unique radiopharmaceutical clinical trials to study participants based on cutting-edge science and drug development efforts taking place onsite at KU Medical Center,” said Steve Stites, M.D., executive vice chancellor for KU Medical Center and chief health sciences officer for KU. “This type of integrated advancement can make a real difference in how patients are treated and serves as an example of how public-private collaborations can work.”
“Theranostics is the next forefront of precision medical care and research,” said Bob Page, president and CEO of The University of Kansas Health System. “This collaboration will advance both discovery and treatment, while driving investment in the Kansas City region as a destination for health care and research.”
While theranostics is currently used almost exclusively in adult care, Children’s Mercy is among the first pediatric health systems to invest early, ensuring children are not left behind as this promising field rapidly advances.
“At Children’s Mercy, we believe the future of pediatric care is built through bold collaborations and a shared commitment to what’s possible,” said Alejandro Quiroga, M.D., MBA, president and CEO. “By joining forces with The University of Kansas Health System, the University of Kansas Medical Center and BAMF Health, we are taking a decisive step toward redefining how children access the most advanced care. This collaboration reflects our responsibility to lead — to accelerate innovation, translate discovery into action, and ensure every child can benefit from breakthrough therapies the moment they are ready to change lives.”
Together, these organizations will establish a vertically integrated theranostics approach, which allows radiopharmaceutical production, molecular imaging, radiopharmaceutical therapy and radioligand clinical trials to all happen in the same location.
“Theranostics is redefining what’s possible in the fight against devastating diseases," said BAMF Health Founder and CEO Anthony Chang, Ph.D. "BAMF Health is leading the way in bringing this advanced technology to every single patient who needs it around the globe. This meaningful collaboration advances our mission to give patients more time, more hope and more meaningful moments with their loved ones.”