Tag: Princess Alexandra

Innovative Cancer Therapy Trial Unveiled at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba

Did you know that The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba launched a pioneering clinical trial for advanced prostate cancer, offering new hope through Targeted Alpha Therapy that attacks cancer cells while preserving healthy tissues?

Read: New Mammography Technology Transforms Patient Experience at Princess Alexandra Hospital

A New Weapon Against Cancer

Traditional oncology treatments, while effective, can have harsh side effects due to their impact on surrounding healthy cells. Targeted alpha therapy takes a different approach. It utilises radioactive isotopes that bind directly to cancer cells, delivering a potent dose of radiation with minimal damage to healthy organs.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

Leading the Charge in Theranostics

PA Hospital’s Integrated Theranostic Centre, established in 2023, is one of the few facilities in Australia offering this cutting-edge treatment. Theranostics combines diagnostic imaging with targeted therapy, allowing doctors to precisely locate and eliminate cancer cells.

Photo Credit: Google Map/PaigeWilcox

Hope for the Future

Photo Credit: Google Map/ BehroozFarahnakian

The TheraPb clinical trial for prostate cancer is just the beginning.  This three-year study aims to enrol up to 100 patients and paves the way for further theranostic trials targeting various cancers.

PA Hospital Medical Oncologist Dr. Aaron Hansen emphasises the potential of theranostics to improve cancer treatment across various types of the disease.

This pioneering trial at PA Hospital signifies a significant advancement in cancer treatment. Targeted alpha therapy offers a potential future with fewer side effects and more effective cancer management.

Queensland Investment in Cancer Care

The Queensland Government is heavily invested in improving cancer care for its residents. Their 10-year Research Strategy, funded for $73 million, directly supports innovative research like the one at PA Hospital.

Additionally, the government’s 10-year Queensland Cancer Plan consultation survey, which ended 17 April 2024, sought public input to shape the future of cancer treatment in the state.

Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman applauds Queensland’s world-class research and highlights the importance of public participation in shaping the new Cancer Plan.

Read: Greenslopes Mother Celebrates $1 Million Windfall

Published Date 17-April-2024

Hospital Veteran Jamie Bedson Leaves Entire Estate to Princess Alexandra Research Foundation

Photo Credit: Metro South Health

Jamie Bedson, a medical records administrator who has worked at Princess Alexandra Hospital for 23 years, has made the extraordinary decision to leave his entire estate to the Princess Alexandra Research Foundation.

Read: ​​Jacqui Cooper Has a Rare Cancer, Shares Sarcoma Story to Help Raise Awareness

Describing his decision as an easy one, Mr Bedson cited the hospital as more than just a workplace but a community and family and he made this decision because he wants to support medical breakthroughs and enhance the lives of patients. 

“I’m on my own and I’ve got no family. I’ve got friends, but no one that I really want to give the money to,” he said. “I thought, who can I give it to? So that’s why I went straight to the foundation.”

The loyal administrator acknowledged that he had considered the hospital’s impact on his life and the lives of countless others during his long tenure. 

“Because I work in a hospital in medical records, I can understand the medical side of things and what people are going through in a hospital.” 

“People might be going through a smaller situation through to something more life-threatening, but regardless it is going to a good cause, and that’s what I’m happy about.”

“If it’s going to help someone get an operation, or help someone with cancer, or maybe even cure someone through research, I’m happy to do that.”

Mr Bedson’s decision coincides with the Princess Alexandra Research Foundation‘s annual Giving Day fundraiser, which took place on 7 Sept 2023. Remarkably, all donations received on Giving Day, up to $10,000, were doubled, thanks to the generosity of matching donors.

Photo Credit: Princess Alexandra Foundation

This year, for the first time, the foundation allowed people to make donations to support patients and services at all Metro South hospitals, including QEII Jubilee, Redland, Logan, and Beaudesert hospitals. These contributions can be directed to various hospital departments, such as spinal injury rehabilitation, breast cancer research, or enhancing patient treatment areas. 

Read: Pioneering Prostate Cancer Treatment Hits 20-Year Milestone at Greenslopes Private Hospital

“People who choose to make a gift of any size and remember an organization after they’re gone is pretty humbling. It means we will be able to keep investing in our medical research and medical support at the hospital far beyond our own lifetimes,” said Damian Topp, the Foundation’s Chief Executive. 

Published 8-Sept-2023