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GE Hawkeye Gamma Camera
Advanced dual-head gamma camera with SPECT capability for high-quality nuclear imaging of all organs
Clinical department
Nuclear Medicineand Theranostics
A revolutionary approach where the same radioactive molecule both finds cancer cells throughout your body and delivers a targeted dose of radiation to destroy them — sparing healthy tissue.
Department overview
Diagnosis and therapy, combined
The word theranostics blends therapy and diagnostics. A specially designed molecule seeks out specific targets on cancer cells. First, a low-dose version is injected to image the tumour and confirm the target is present. Then, a therapeutic version delivers radiation directly to every site of disease — even spread invisible on conventional CT.
This precision means fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy or external radiotherapy, and it can treat disease throughout the entire body in a single treatment cycle.
Message from the Head of Department
“We carry forward a legacy that began in 1957 when our founding pioneer, Dr. V.M. Sivaramakrishnan, established one of India’s first nuclear medicine centers. Today, we honor that vision by combining our six decades of experience with cutting-edge molecular imaging and therapeutic technologies. Our department stands at the unique intersection of physics, chemistry, and medicine—using the power of radiopharmaceuticals to see what others cannot see and treat what others cannot reach. Every nuclear medicine scan, every radionuclide therapy, and every diagnostic procedure we perform is driven by one commitment: to provide our patients with the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment possible. We have a dedicated team of physicians, physicists, and technologists who work tirelessly to ensure that each patient receives personalized, evidence-based care with compassion and dignity.”
Dr. Ashok Kumar RConsultant & Incharge - Department of Nuclear Medicine
WHY IT MATTERS
Key benefits of nuclear medicine imaging
- Earlier detection — identifies cancer and disease at the molecular level, often years before structural changes appear on CT or MRI
- Whole-body in one scan — maps disease throughout the entire body in a single session, enabling complete cancer staging without multiple procedures
- Guides treatment decisions — confirms whether a tumour is metabolically active, identifies the best biopsy site, and monitors response to therapy
- Non-invasive and safe — delivers targeted diagnostic information with radiation doses similar to a few months of natural background exposure
- Unique functional information — assesses organ function (heart, kidney, thyroid, brain) that cannot be obtained from structural imaging alone
HOW IT WORKS
The theranostics pathway
1
Diagnostic scan (PET/CT)
A small amount of radiotracer is injected. It binds to receptors on tumour cells. A PET/CT scan creates detailed 3D images showing every cancer deposit in the body.
2
Eligibility assessment
The nuclear medicine team reviews your scan. If tumour uptake is confirmed, you are a candidate for therapy — the 'see before you treat' principle unique to theranostics.
3
Targeted radionuclide therapy
The same molecule, now carrying a therapeutic isotope, is injected. It locks onto cancer cells and delivers a lethal radiation dose locally while decaying harmlessly elsewhere.
4
Response evaluation
After each cycle, imaging is repeated to assess response. Treatment is adapted based on how the disease responds — a truly personalised approach.
Conditions we treat
- Prostate cancer — PSMA-targeted therapy and Radium-223 for bone metastases
- Neuroendocrine tumours — PRRT with Lu-177 DOTATATE
- Thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism — Radioiodine (I-131)
- Primary and secondary liver cancer — SIRT with Y-90 microspheres
- Bone metastases with pain — Samarium-153 or Radium-223
- Inflamed or painful joints — Radiosynovectomy
- Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma — MIBG therapy
- Next generation alpha therapy with Ac225
Treatment Options
Our department provides the full spectrum of radionuclide therapies, each precisely matched to the condition being treated.
When To Visit
When to visit
Clinical Indications
- Referred by treating oncologist for diagnostic PET/CT imaging (FDG, PSMA, DOTA)
- Evaluation for targeted radionuclide therapy (Lu-177 PSMA, PRRT, Radioiodine, SIRT, or Radium-223)
Facilities & capabilities
GE NM 630 Discovery Machine
State-of-the-art nuclear medicine imaging system for precise diagnostic scans
Gamma Spectroscopy Machine
Analyzes energy spectrum of gamma radiation for quality control and radiopharmaceutical purity testing
ITLC Gamma Analyser Machine
Instant Thin Layer Chromatography system for radiopharmaceutical quality assurance
Multiple Laser X-ray Film Printers
High-quality medical image printing systems for producing diagnostic-grade hard copies of nuclear medicine scans
Gamma Probe Machine
Intraoperative radiation detection device used during sentinel lymph node biopsy and tumor localization surgery
High Dose Therapy Ward
Dedicated isolation facility with proper radiation shielding for radioiodine therapy and other therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures
Two-Bedded Therapy Ward
Comfortable patient rooms equipped with all necessary amenities and radiation safety features
Fume Hood in Therapy Ward
Ventilated enclosure for safe handling of radioactive materials in patient care areas
Dose Calibrator Machine
Precisely measures radioactivity of radiopharmaceuticals before administration to ensure accurate patient dosing
Hand and Foot Radiation Monitor
Detects radioactive contamination on hands and feet of staff and patients for safety compliance
Pocket Dosimeter
Personal radiation monitoring device worn by staff to track individual radiation exposure levels
Multiple LED L-Bench (Fume Hood)
Laminar flow workstations with LED lighting for safe handling and preparation of radiopharmaceuticals
Contamination Monitor
Detects and measures radioactive contamination on surfaces and equipment
Area Radiation Monitor
Continuously monitors ambient radiation levels in the department to ensure staff and patient safety
Lead-Lined Waste Bin
Shielded containers for safe disposal of radioactive waste materials
Lead Aprons
Personal protective equipment providing radiation shielding for staff during procedures
Image Processing and Reporting
Technologist processing nuclear medicine images for diagnostic interpretation
Frequently asked questions
01
Is theranostics safe?
02
Will I be radioactive after treatment?
03
How many cycles are needed?
04
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Contact Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics
Consultant & Incharge - Department of Nuclear Medicine
Dr. Ashok Kumar R
