Improving Equitable Cancer Treatment in Australia: The Case for Theranostics in the Northern Territory.

Abstract

The Northern Territory (NT) of Australia is a large, low-density territory with the highest percentage of First Nations people in Australia, many of whom live remotely and encounter difficulties and barriers to accessing services. This determines significant gap in healthcare delivery inclusive of Nuclear Medicine and theranostic therapy services. In particular, no theranostic service for cancer patients is currently available in the NT. A narrative retrospective analysis of the provision of nuclear medicine services within the NT at the Royal Darwin Hospital was undertaken to determine the suitability and relevance of the establishment of a new theranostic service within the NT, catered to the specific needs of the local population and in particular of the large proportion of First Nations Patients that are likely to benefit from the local service. Building on the preexisting structure of Nuclear Medicine and PET, inclusive of a comprehensive facility with local production of radiopharmaceuticals, it is expected that the implementation of a theranostic service within the NT will have a high intake and a flow-down positive effect on cancer care within the NT. The implementation of cultural safety principles within the department is embedded in our model of service provision and will further be implemented in the theranostic service delivery. A theranostic service within the NT will prove beneficial to the NT population and sustainable financially. Principles of Cultural safety are paramount to service provision in the NT, and will hopefully contribute to enhancing the experience and improving the outcomes for First Nations patients.