Groundbreaking clinical trials and innovative new treatments are emerging from within the walls of Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, and they’re being recognised for their potential to change lives.
The Integrated Theranostics Centre (ITC) was established in 2023 and is one of only two Queensland Health sites and among a select few in Australia offering theranostics for difficult-to-treat cancers.
Assistant Director of Nuclear Medicine Dr Stanley Ngai said ITC represents a special collaboration between the Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Radiology.
“Theranostics uses targeted radiopharmaceuticals for precise cancer diagnosis and treatment, providing highly effective, individualised care,” Dr Ngai said.
“By diagnosing specific tumour types, it ensures only eligible patients receive tailored therapies.
“The ITC’s involvement in national and international clinical trials has significantly expanded access to theranostic treatments for challenging cancers, including non-small cell and small cell lung cancer, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and other advanced, unresectable solid tumours.”
By providing access to these innovative treatments, ITC has notably improved health equity while also enhancing access and outcomes for Queenslanders.
The team’s outstanding efforts have positioned PAH at the forefront of clinical trials and earned them the prestigious Horizon Award at the 2025 Queensland Health Research Excellence Showcase.
The Horizon Award is for research that is exploring emerging fields, anticipating future challenges, and introducing groundbreaking ideas or technologies that have the potential to shape the future of healthcare.
One of the major achievements highlighted in the ITC’s awards application was their world first targeted alpha therapy trial for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in partnership with AdvanCell.
Patients with advanced prostate cancer can receive targeted alpha therapy which specifically targets and kills prostate cancer cells, minimising damage to healthy tissue and organs.
The team currently has eight active theranostics clinical research trials underway with this number continuing to grow as they further cement themselves as leaders in the field.
A/Medical Director of Division of Cancer A/Prof Aaron Hansen said he was incredibly proud to be part of the Integrated Theranostics Centre.
“It is such an honour and a privilege to work with this outstanding group of dedicated clinicians every day,” A/Prof Hansen said.
“We look forward to continuing to provide innovative options to the cancer patients of Queensland and beyond.”
While recognition is certainly not the reason for their pursuit of excellence, the ITC has now received multiple accolades including the Ambitious Innovation Award at the Metro South Health Staff Gala in late 2024.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist James Turner said it’s a big honour for a relatively small team.
“ITC at PAH is staffed by fewer than 10 multidisciplinary specialists but they’re all incredibly dedicated and compassionate,” he said.
“We’re also committed to enhancing scope of practice with the ITC supporting the training and development of skilled professionals in theranostics, to help ensure there’s future expertise in the field.”
Congratulations to everyone at the ITC for winning the Horizon Award and Ambitious Innovation Award, and for making a real difference in the lives of our patients and their loved ones.