Introduction: Theranostics is a discipline that combines therapy and diagnostics. Its aim is to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using the same targeting molecule, but labeled with different radiopharmaceuticals. The role of the radiographer in theranostic procedures is rapidly evolving; therefore, it is important to understand their responsibilities, competencies, and the need for additional knowledge. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to present the role of the radiographer in the application of the theranostic pair 68Ga-PSMA and 177Lu-PSMA, and to investigate, through a survey, the knowledge, experience, and educational needs of radiographers involved in diagnostic procedures and palliative treatment of prostate cancer. Methods: In the theoretical part, a descriptive method was used to collect the theoretical background of theranostics, the importance of SPECT/CT and PET/CT imaging, prostate cancer, and the role of the radiographer in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for metastatic prostate cancer using the selected theranostic pair. In the empirical part, a survey was conducted and completed by all 15 radiographers working at the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana. The results were processed using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. Results: Most radiographers participate in 68Ga-PSMA and 177Lu-PSMA PET/CT procedures on a monthly basis (53.3 %). The most common tasks performed during 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT include patient identification and document verification, patient positioning, and image acquisition (100 %). The most common tasks during 177Lu-PSMA SPECT/CT include performing follow-up SPECT/CT imaging (100 %) and measuring radiation dose rates (93.3 %). Most respondents rated their competence as good (46.6 %). The work is perceived as demanding by the majority (66.6 %). They face various challenges and believe that the greatest need for additional knowledge is in the field of dosimetry (80 %). A total of 66.6 % of respondents have completed formal education, while 33.3 % have not. According to their opinion, internal training sessions (66.6 %) and workshops with practical training (60 %) would contribute the most to improving their knowledge. Discussion and conclusion: Radiographers involved in theranostic procedures with 68Ga-PSMA and 177Lu-PSMA perform a wide range of tasks, which also brings numerous challenges. Based on the survey results, it can be concluded that some of these challenges could be addressed through appropriate education and increased experience. In the future, it is recommended to introduce internal training programs and workshops, which would enable radiographers at the selected department to further develop their knowledge in the field of theranostics.
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