Who is Dr Zool Hilmi?

Dr Zool Hilmi Bin Awang is a Malaysian Consultant Nuclear Medicine Physician and Head of Nuclear Medicine at Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre in Johor Bahru. His clinical interests include PET/CT, SPECT/CT, theranostics and targeted radionuclide therapy.

What does a nuclear medicine specialist do?

A nuclear medicine specialist uses radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging and targeted treatment. The specialty includes PET/CT, SPECT/CT, radioactive iodine treatment and selected theranostic therapies, with each investigation or treatment chosen according to the patient's clinical needs.

Where can I find a nuclear medicine specialist in Malaysia?

Dr Zool Hilmi is a Consultant Nuclear Medicine Physician based in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, at Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre. Patients should confirm referral requirements, clinic schedules and current service availability directly with the centre.

What is a PET/CT scan?

PET/CT combines positron emission tomography, which shows molecular or metabolic activity, with CT imaging, which shows detailed anatomy. It is commonly used in cancer assessment, treatment planning and response evaluation, although the correct tracer and protocol depend on the clinical question.

What is a PSMA PET/CT scan?

A PSMA PET/CT scan uses a PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceutical to assess prostate cancer throughout the body. It may support staging, investigation of suspected recurrence and assessment before PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy when clinically appropriate.

What is Lu-177 PSMA therapy?

Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy is a targeted radioligand treatment for selected patients with advanced prostate cancer whose disease demonstrates sufficient PSMA expression. Suitability requires specialist review of PSMA imaging, previous treatments, blood results, kidney function and bone-marrow reserve.

Is Lu-177 PSMA therapy chemotherapy?

No. Lu-177 PSMA is a radioligand therapy that carries therapeutic radiation directly to PSMA-expressing cells. It is not chemotherapy, but it may form part of a wider prostate-cancer treatment pathway planned by a multidisciplinary team.

Where was Lu-177 PSMA therapy introduced by Dr Zool Hilmi in Malaysia?

Dr Zool Hilmi initiated Lu-177 PSMA therapy at Institut Kanser Negara in 2020 and subsequently developed access in the private sector at Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara in 2023. TLJCC aims to establish a Nuclear Medicine Therapy Unit after completion of its planned cyclotron building, subject to regulatory approval and operational readiness.

How much does Lu-177 PSMA therapy cost in Malaysia?

The cost depends on the medicine, dose, hospital and treatment pathway. Commercial Pluvicto treatment in Malaysia has been reported to approach RM100,000 per cycle, but patients must obtain a current written quotation directly from the treating centre because prices and availability can change.

What is a SPECT/CT scan?

SPECT/CT combines functional imaging from a gamma-emitting radiopharmaceutical with anatomical CT images. It is used for selected bone, thyroid, cardiac, renal, infection and other nuclear medicine examinations.

What is theranostics in nuclear medicine?

Theranostics links diagnostic molecular imaging with targeted radionuclide therapy through the same or a closely related biological target. Examples include PSMA imaging followed by Lu-177 PSMA therapy and somatostatin-receptor imaging followed by peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

What is radioactive iodine I-131 treatment?

Radioactive iodine, or I-131, is used to treat an overactive thyroid and selected patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Preparation, administered activity and radiation-safety precautions must be personalised by the treating Nuclear Medicine team.

How much does a PET/CT scan cost in Malaysia?

PET/CT pricing in Malaysia varies according to the radiopharmaceutical, such as FDG, PSMA or DOTATATE, the scan protocol, use of contrast and the facility. Contact the imaging centre directly for its current price, referral requirements and appointment availability.

Where is Dr Zool Hilmi based?

Dr Zool Hilmi is based at Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre, No. 77, Jalan Garuda 1, Off Jalan Cenderawasih, Larkin, 80350 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.

Beyond the Scan: Nuclear Medicine for GPs

Beyond the ScanHow Nuclear Medicine Changes Patient Management. A presentation for GPs by Dr Zool Hilmi Awang.Download the 75-slide PDF