'New hope' for cancer patients

Australia's largest dedicated cancer care provider has launched a new service "revolutionising" personalised treatment for patients.

Icon Group is offering theranostics – a blend of therapy and diagnostics – at its North Lakes Cancer Centre in Queensland.

"Theranostics is revolutionising personalised treatments, allowing doctors to image and treat cancer with ongoing progress in the field," said Associate Professor David Macfarlane, who is leading the Brisbane clinic's team.

"Icon North Lakes has the infrastructure and resources to support both a clinical service and provide patients with access to clinical trials, and we are delighted to make this treatment option available to our patients."

Theranostics uses advanced diagnostic imaging to identify cancer cells, followed by radiation therapy delivered at a cellular level for treatment.

It uses unique molecules that bind with specific receptors on cancer cells to deliver radiation directly to them.

Unlike many traditional treatments, theranostics can target both primary and metastatic cells, even those unable to be detected on conventional imaging systems.

Its precision reduces harm to healthy tissue and minimises potential side-effects.

"Safe and effective practice of theranostics requires close cooperation with other specialists and facilities to deliver exceptional care for often vulnerable patients," said A/Prof Macfarlane, who has led the development and implementation of various theranostics programs in Australia.

The oncology segment market for theranostics is expected to grow to nearly $130 billion by 2025, providing a significant pipeline of industry-funded clinical trials.

Icon Cancer Centre North Lakes is initially offering theranostics treatment for metastatic prostate cancer and selected neuroendocrine tumours.

It is delivered in a comprehensive day hospital environment with the support of an experienced nursing and operational team.

Julie Crouch, Icon's Director of Molecular Oncology, said the group intended to offer theranostics across its other Australian and international sites.

"This innovative treatment approach brings new hope for people facing cancer, especially those who have exhausted standard treatment options or where symptoms of their cancer are affecting their quality of life," Ms Crouch said.

"While theranostics has shown remarkable success in treating advanced prostate cancer and neuroendocrine cancers to date, clinicians and researchers worldwide are exploring ways to expand the range of cancers that can be treated using theranostics and increase accessibility to these life-changing therapies."

Read more: Icon Group announces UK partnership

Read more: 'Game changing' cancer treatment closer to home

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