A Significant Milestone for Mercy Molecular Imaging and Theranostics!

Mercy Radiology in New Zealand celebrated six years of leading Theranostic treatments in August 2024. Innovation, expanded services, and outstanding patient outcomes have defined our journey. Thanks to the dedication of our exceptional team and ongoing research efforts, we’ve introduced cutting-edge therapies and further advanced our Theranostic capabilities.

We look forward to another year of transformative treatments and unparalleled patient care.

 

Key Advancements

Are you interested in learning more about Theranostics and how it could support your treatment? Please ask your specialist or oncologist for a referral. 

 

Theranostics at Mercy 

Mercy Radiology has been at the forefront of advancing Theranostics in New Zealand for over six years, proudly standing as one of the few providers in Aotearoa. 

Mercy Radiology's Theranostics and Research team offer Nuclear Medicine therapy, including Lu-177 PSMA therapy for prostate cancer and Lu-177 DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumours.  

The Mercy Theranostics team has experience in the experimental and compassionate use of radiopharmaceuticals for therapy, and they initiate and participate in local and international clinical trials.  

We can offer consultations to patients with appropriate referrals from specialists or oncologists to discuss oncological and non-oncological nuclear medicine therapy options.  

What is Theranostics?

In this informative video, Dr Remy Lim explains Theranostics, a cutting-edge approach to cancer treatment. Theranostics uses radioactive agents to precisely target and treat cancer cells, and it’s currently available for patients with metastatic prostate cancer or metastatic neuroendocrine tumours.

At Mercy Radiology, we offer a comprehensive Theranostics service. Our process includes assessing your suitability, conducting PET scans, reviewing lab results, and evaluating your medical condition. You will then have a face-to-face consultation with one of our doctors, where we’ll discuss what to expect from the treatment, including its potential benefits and side effects.

Watch the video to learn more about how Theranostics could revolutionize cancer care. For further information, don’t hesitate to contact us!

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Nuclear Medicine and Research at Mercy Radiology

In this video, Dr Andrew Henderson, our esteemed Nuclear Medicine Physician, explores the diverse applications of nuclear medicine therapy. Dr Henderson sheds light on how this innovative approach is used to treat a range of conditions, from prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours to other rare malignancies.

In addition, Dr. Henderson discusses our commitment to advancing the field through participation in trials and research. He highlights the vital role of the Pacific community in these trials and how we welcome international clients to benefit from these groundbreaking opportunities.

Please tune in to gain insights into the evolving landscape of nuclear medicine and how it’s shaping the future of cancer treatment. For more information or to get involved, feel free to contact us!

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Behind the Scenes: Theranostics Excellence and Patient Care with Madhu Vyas

In this video, Madhu Vyas, Mercy Radiology's Theranostics Site Lead and Radio-Chemist, shares insights into our highly skilled team with extensive experience in the field. Madhu highlights two key aspects of our approach: 1) the meticulous preparation and production of theranostics pharmaceuticals according to international standards, and 2) our dedication to providing personalized patient care. Discover how our commitment to these principles ensures the best possible outcomes for our patients.  For more information or to get involved, feel free to contact us!

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Lutetium Therapy: Palliative treatment for people with advanced prostate cancer

For patients with advanced prostate cancer, your oncologist may refer you for Lu-177 PSMA therapy.

This innovative treatment option is most suitable for patients with advanced prostate cancer who have failed other forms of treatment such as hormone therapy or chemotherapy.

Before commencing treatment, patients will undergo a PSMA PET-CT scan to locate the PSMA receptors on the cancer cells.  PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) is a cell membrane protein with enzymatic activity that is highly expressed in prostate cancer cell but not on normal prostate tissue or benign lesions.

Lutetium is a low-level radiation substance that destroys nearby cells. We combine this with a PSMA protein that specifically seeks out and targets PSMA receptors.

It is injected into the bloodstream which takes around 30 minutes every 6-8 weeks. Most patients require four treatment cycles.

Over time, it will destroy prostate cancer cells, including those that have spread into other parts of the body. 

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What are the benefits of undergoing Lutetium Therapy?

Lutetium therapy allows patients with advanced prostate cancer to maintain a good quality of life with minimal side effects.

Lutetium locks onto the cancerous cells and kills them without taking the healthy cells with it.

Approximately 60-70% of patients who have the treatment will experience a positive response (alleviation of symptoms for example) and in some patients, it may produce a relatively long-term remission of disease.

Mercy Radiology is the only provider of Lu-177 PSMA in New Zealand.

More About Lutetium Therapy

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PSMA PET-CT: An accurate way to detect extent of Prostate Cancer

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, our PSMA PET/CT scan can detect any cancer that has spread outside of the prostate gland, with greater accuracy than traditional imaging such as bone scan or CT scan.  

Learn more about PET-CT scans

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FAQ's

How does Theranostics work?

Theranostics typically involves the use of radiopharmaceuticals. These are radioactive substances attached to specific molecules that target disease cells. The radiopharmaceutical is administered to the patient, and its movement through the body is tracked using imaging techniques like Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).

Once the radiopharmaceutical reaches the diseased tissue, it emits radiation that can be used to:

  • Diagnose: The radiation patterns can help pinpoint the exact location and extent of the disease.
  • Treat: The radiation itself can destroy the disease cells, acting as a form of therapy.

Who is a good candidate for Theranostics?

Theranostics is often used to treat a variety of cancers and other diseases. However, the specific criteria for eligibility can vary depending on the condition and the type of Theranostics procedure being considered.

What are the risks of Theranostic treatments?

Theranostic treatments are generally safe and have fewer side effects than other treatments. However, there are risks like radiation exposure and potential long-term issues. Please discuss your concern and query related to your treatment with our team.

Are there any restrictions I need to follow after Theranostics?

After a Theranostics procedure, you may be asked to follow certain restrictions, such as:

  • Limiting contact with pregnant women or young children
  • Avoiding certain activities, such as swimming or strenuous exercise
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush the radiopharmaceutical from your system

It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

How do I access the treatment?

To access Theranostics treatment, patients will need to be referred by their treating oncologists or specialists. Scanned referral letters can be emailed to [email protected], or call us on (09) 632-5862.

Contact Us

You can email our Theranostics team or call us if you have any enquiries.