Thank you to Simone Leyden AM, Director Global Patient Advocacy and Government Affairs at Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited ARCS Australia, for organising sponsorship for a group of nurses to attend ANZSNM Conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
With over 800 attendees, the conference was an incredibly informative gathering of leading scientists, physicists, nuclear medicine specialists, doctors, nurses, and other professionals. It showcased significant progress in nuclear medicine and Theranostics, explored upcoming developments, and introduced innovative ideas.
It was enlightening to hear about advances in imaging technology over time, including current diagnostic tools such as PSMA PET, FDG PET/CT, DOTATE PET, SPECT, and others. PET imaging continues to play a vital role in various diagnostic applications, including paediatric care and the assessment of Alzheimer’s disease and other brain injuries.
One of the key highlights was the demonstrated benefits of Theranostics in both diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, breast cancer, and neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), including its role in delaying disease progression and improving progression-free survival. It’s truly inspiring to see these dedicated professionals continue advancing patient care under challenging conditions, often with limited funding.
A particular highlight of the event was the ANZSNM Nurses’ Workshop held on Saturday. It was commendable to witness nursing professionals united in their commitment to deepening their understanding of Theranostics, nuclear medicine, and the spectrum of available treatment options.
Meredith Cummins opened the session with a warm welcome and Acknowledgement of Country, followed by an introduction to the speakers and topics.
Dr Emma Boehm provided an in-depth explanation of liver function test interpretation.
DrAaron Wong discussed Radiology 101 – Ga68 PET, FDG PET, SUV, MRI, and CT imaging with case study examples.
A/Prof Gabby Cehic covered managing toxicities in Theranostics and kidney function, while Dr Daniel Badger concluded with a presentation on radiation safety in radiopharmaceutical therapy, emphasizing best practices for nurses and patient care.
As always, the conference featured engaging breakfast sessions and valuable networking opportunities across disciplines.
The insights gained from conferences like this are invaluable, however, the knowledge gained will be beneficial to NET patients accessing the Telehealth NET Nurse service.
Once again, sincere thanks to Simone Leyden and NECA for the opportunity to attend this highly informative and collaborative conference.
