Science and discovery that’s fit for a Princess
26 October 2023
An international trade delegation, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium visited Peter Mac today, to learn more about the impact of nuclear medicine.
Peter Mac has been one early adopters of nuclear medicine in Australia, helping with diagnosis and improving outcomes through ground-breaking treatments.
Princess Astrid and members of the Belgian Trade Mission, met with senior representatives of Peter Mac, the Victorian Government and Telix Pharmaceuticals before joining a seminar highlighting how collaboration between Belgium and Australia is helping to advance nuclear medicine.
Peter Mac’s Acting Chief Executive, Karen Fox, said it was a pleasure to welcome the Princess and showcase some of the innovative work being done at Peter Mac.
“Princess Astrid was able to meet with a patient receiving treatment for prostate cancer and talk with the clinicians who are working to change practices around the world and improve the lives of patients,” she said.
“We began using technology such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to diagnose patients with neuroendoncrine tumours almost 30 years ago and have been providing Lutetium treatment for patients with these tumours since 2005.
“The establishment of the Prostate Cancer Theranostics and Imaging Centre (ProsTIC) in 2020 has helped us to further pioneer treatment and advance research for prostate cancer patients using PSMA Theranostics.
“We are grateful for the role Telix Pharmaceuticals played in organising today’s visit and the support of the Victorian Government.
Along with the Princess, the Belgian delegation included His Excellency Willy Borsus, Vice-President of the Walloon Government and Minister of the Economy, and Ms Zena Wimana, Director of Radiopharmacy at the Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles.
The group met with Peter Mac Board Chair Professor Maxine Morand AM, Medical Director Cancer Imaging Professor Stephen Stuckey, Nuclear Medicine Physician Associate Professor Grace Kong, and Telix Pharmaceuticals Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Chris Behrenbruch, as part of today’s visit.
You can watch a video of the Princess's visit on Peter Mac's YouTube channel
