Thanks to Simone Leyden AM, Director Global Patient Advocacy and Government Affairs at Telix, for organising sponsorship for a group of nurses to attend ANZSNM Conference at the Ta Pae Conference Centre in Christchurch NZ. This conference which had over 400 attendees was an amazingly informative gathering of great minds, scientists, physicist, nuclear medicine physicist, doctors, nurses and many more.
The conference highlighted what has been achieved in nuclear medicine and Theranostics, what is in the pipeline and showcased new innovative ideas. It was great to hear the progress of imaging over time to the current form of diagnostic machines such as PET, SPECT and many more. PETs are also used for many other diagnoses including on paediatrics and also used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, dementia and other brain injuries.
One of the main features was the benefits of Theranostics with diagnostics and treatment for Prostate & NETS, which demonstrated the benefits of theranostics, delay of disease progression, and progression free survival. It is inspiring that these great minds who continue to work under extreme circumstances, sometimes with little funding to provide the best care for patients regardless of the diagnosis.
The highlight was the Saturday Net Nurse’s workshop. It was great to see all the nurses together, all with the same aim of learning about the benefits of Theranostics and nuclear medicine in general, and what other treatments are available. Michael Wheatcroft opened the nurses session with New Pharmaceutical isotopes….what and why.
Elisabeth Medhurst presented on how to deal with side effects and then with Kate Wakelin opening the floor for further discussion. As usual a conference will not be complete without the interesting breakfast sessions. Also, the opportunities to network with many disciplines.
The information gained when attending conferences such as this, is immeasurable and so difficult to put on paper, however, the information is garnered and will be of benefit to NET patients contacting the Telehealth Net Nurse service.
Once again thank you Simone Leyden and NECA for the opportunity to attend this very informative and collaborative conference.
