The Nuclear Medicine Department provides specialised diagnostic imaging and targeted radionuclide therapies to support cancer detection, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up. By using small amounts of radioactive tracers, the department can assess how tissues and organs function and identify changes that may not be visible on conventional imaging.
What the department does
The department performs nuclear medicine investigations such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT, as well as organ-specific scans where clinically indicated. It also provides selected radionuclide therapies for suitable patients. Nuclear medicine physicians work closely with radiologists, oncologists, physicists, technologists, and other specialists to integrate scan findings into the patient's overall clinical assessment.
Conditions and clinical questions addressed
Nuclear medicine supports the evaluation of many tumour types, including lymphomas and cancers of the thyroid, prostate, breast, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and neuroendocrine system. Studies may be used to locate disease, determine its extent, assess treatment response, investigate suspected recurrence, and help establish whether a patient is suitable for a targeted radionuclide therapy.
Clinical approach
Each investigation is selected according to the tumour type, previous findings, and the clinical question being addressed. Tracer selection, image acquisition, and radiation exposure are carefully planned for the individual patient. Results are interpreted alongside other imaging, laboratory findings, and pathology data and may be reviewed at a multidisciplinary tumour board.
What patients can expect
Before your appointment, the team will explain any preparation requirements, which may include fasting, changes to physical activity, hydration instructions, or a review of certain medicines. A small amount of radioactive tracer is usually administered by injection, followed by a waiting period before imaging. The duration of the visit depends on the type of study or treatment. Bring an identity document, your referral, previous imaging and reports, and a list of current medicines. Please inform the team in advance if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
