Join Michael Gilhen and Lachlan for an introduction to theranostics and emerging developments in nuclear medicine, including their clinical applications and the radiation safety challenges involved in bringing these technologies into practice.
Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 1:00 pm AEDT
Location: Online via Zoom — register to receive the joining link.
Local start times
- Perth: 10:00 am AWST
- Darwin: 11:30 am ACST
- Brisbane: 12:00 pm AEST
- Adelaide: 12:30 pm ACDT
- Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart: 1:00 pm AEDT
- New Zealand: 3:00 pm NZDT
About the presentation
One of the most significant developments in modern nuclear medicine is theranostics, an approach that combines advanced imaging and targeted treatment using the same biological pathway. Theranostics allows clinicians to image cancer, deliver treatment and perform further imaging to evaluate treatment response and assess dose.
Alongside theranostics, a new generation of radiopharmaceuticals is expanding the possibilities for diagnosis and treatment. Emerging radionuclides enable imaging over several days, providing insights into disease behaviour and treatment response. Alpha-emitting therapies, including those using radium-223 and actinium-225, are also being investigated or used clinically for a range of cancers.
These advances bring opportunities and challenges. Nuclear medicine departments, medical physicists and radiation safety practitioners must develop new skills, establish safe handling procedures and adapt to technologies that are evolving faster than many existing guidelines and standards.
This presentation will explore the clinical applications of theranostics, emerging radionuclide therapies, patient outcomes and the radiation safety challenges associated with implementing these technologies. Drawing on practical experience, Michael and Lachlan will discuss lessons learned, future opportunities and the role of nuclear medicine in precision cancer care.
Presenter bio — Michael Gilhen
Michael Gilhen is the Radiation Safety Officer at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, where he administers the radiation protection programs supporting patient care, staff safety, and regulatory compliance.
With more than 20 years of experience across healthcare, defence, environmental monitoring, and the uranium mining sector, he specialises in radiation risk management, radiation risk communication and stakeholder engagement.
Michael is an ARPAB Certified Radiation Safety Expert and active contributor to the radiation protection profession through education, conference presentations and professional society membership.