The Initiative for Theranostics and Particle Therapy (ITPT) is a joint initiative of UW Carbone, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW Health to strengthen existing research collaborations, create new partnerships and resources, and drive innovative treatments for metastatic cancer patients in Wisconsin and worldwide.
ITPT unites the efforts of researchers whose specialties include targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) discovery and development, radiobiology, translational radiotherapy, medical physics, advanced imaging, personalized dosimetry, and radio-immunotherapy combinations. In addition to cross-training and educational goals, ITPT resources will support preclinical, translational and clinical research to advance new precision radiopharmaceutical development.
Upcoming Events
ITPT Retreat
Tuesday, May 19 from 1-5:30pm in HSLC
Enjoy UW faculty presentations, flash talks and breakout session topics including: Physics/Dosimetey, Novel Therapeutics, and Resistance Mechanisms and Biomarkers. This half day event will end with a poster session reception.
ITPT Blog Posts
Bringing Theranostics to Life at Science Expeditions
At this year’s UW–Madison Science Expeditions, MJ Lindsey and Lauren Wehner hosted a hands‑on booth introducing kids to radiation detection and nuclear medicine. With a stuffed bear “patient,” a DIY PET/CT setup, Geiger counters, and themed stickers, families got a playful look at how theranostics works.
April 22, 2026
Faculty Spotlight – Dr. Shannon O’Reilly
Dr. Shannon O’Reilly, a UW Carbone member and ITPT Education & Training committee member, found her perfect fit in proton therapy and medical physics. Since then, she’s trained across three proton systems and built educational resources that reach learners worldwide. Read her full interview to hear how she’s shaping the next era of proton therapy and why global expansion of access inspires her daily.
April 22, 2026
Faculty Spotlight – Dr. Abby Besemer
Dr. Abby Besemer, ITPT Education & Training founding committee member, started by studying the origins of the universe. A single summer research experience rerouted her path from cosmology to clinical impact. Read her full interview to hear how she’s working to expand theranostics education and why she believes interdisciplinary training is essential for the future of the field.
April 22, 2026
RASR Lab
ITPT oversees the Radiopharmaceutical Analytics and Specimen Research (RASR) laboratory. RASR enables UW Carbone researchers and external partners to store and analyze radioactive tissue samples and thoroughly examine the in vivo metabolism and biology of radiopharmaceuticals. The operational aim of the RASR is to harbor all radioactive analyses within the ITPT in order to streamline regulatory requirements and compliance while maximizing safety. RASR is a secure facility with access limited to approved researchers and staff. RASR equipment that enables state-of-the-art immunophenotyping of radioactive blood and tissues specimens. See full equipment list on their site.
Highlights from the 2025 ITPT Symposium
Our Newsletter
View Past ITPT Newsletters
Subscribe