Tag: prostate cancer

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

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

Did you know that this year marks the 20th anniversary of a pioneering, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer treatment at Greenslopes Private Hospital?

Read: Queensland Health Unveils $8 Billion Hospital Expansion Plan, Including Princess Alexandra Hospital

The low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy program was pioneered in 2003 by a dedicated team of specialists – Radiation Oncologist Associate Professor Kumar Gogna, Consultant Urologist Dr Glen Wood, and Medical Physicist Mr Adrian Gibbs.

Two decades later, this clinical trio still practises together at Greenslopes, having treated hundreds of prostate cancer patients over the years. Their collaboration and shared goal of supporting patient choice and offering evidence-based treatments continues to this day.

prostate cancer treatment
Photo credit: Tara Winstead/Pexels

As Mr Gibbs reflects, they were united 20 years ago under the common goal of providing another option for prostate cancer patients. Since then, they have worked together to treat many men with LDR brachytherapy.

What is LDR brachytherapy?

LDR brachytherapy involves inserting radioactive seeds directly into the prostate to target cancer cells with radiation whilst minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. At the time, it expanded the minimally invasive treatment possibilities for prostate cancer patients at Greenslopes and in Queensland.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men, with over 24,000 new cases annually. 

prostate cancer treatment
Photo credit: Greenslopes Private Hospital/Facebook

Dr Wood emphasises that offering a full spectrum of care for patients living with prostate cancer remains a top priority for them at Greenslopes.

A/Prof Gogna adds that their team is proud to keep supporting Queenslanders in need, sharing knowledge about this important treatment, and mentoring other clinicians locally and abroad to establish their own LDR brachytherapy programs. Their expertise has been shared with colleagues in Townsville, Singapore, and Wollongong.

Read: Vaxxas: Pioneering Needle-Free Skin Patch Vaccine Technology

The pioneering brachytherapy team reflects on the past 20 years of collaboration and innovation in minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment. Their patient-focused approach continues to make a positive impact at Greenslopes and beyond.

Published 25-July-2023