Department of Nuclear Medicine
Group leader
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Overview
The Department of Nuclear Medicine is the leading clinical and research paediatric nuclear medicine centre in Australia.
Our research is focused into three areas. We undertake clinical evaluation of nuclear medicine and bone mineral density techniques relating to improvements in patient management. We work on the development of new radiopharmaceuticals and new applications of current radiopharmaceuticals. We research the development and/or modification of imaging equipment and techniques for new applications or improvements in current uses.
Research achievements
This year we have conducted retrospective reviews of PET/CT studies in patients with paediatric lymphoma and primary bone tumours. This study compared PET/CT with conventional imaging such as MRI, CT and bone scans. We have found that PET/CT scans offered superior sensitivity, specificity and accuracy than conventional testing and had a significant impact in management decisions.
We have undertaken a large prospective study of PET/CT in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) to assess the rate of transformation of plexiform neuromas into malignant tumours and to stratify which patients with optic gliomas may benefit from chemotherapy. These scans will enable clinicians to improve treatment choices.
We have completed the world’s largest review of paediatric Lymphoscintigraphy. Our research has identified the different scan patterns, which diagnose congenital lymphoedema. This leads to the earlier diagnosis or exclusion of this condition allowing more appropriate management decisions.
Our radiopharmacy work has involved the development of new applications for 18F-FDG PET/CT e.g. infection and evaluation of the new PET agent 68Ga for evaluation of neuroendocrine tumours and infection.
We were awarded an NHMRC grant (in collaboration with Westmead Hospital) for development of motion correction equipment and software for use in children having PET/CT scans. The aim of this is to reduce the number of infants and children requiring general anaesthesia and sedation for the scans.
