On March 31, 2025, Willis Knighton Cancer Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, celebrated the launch of their Nuclear Oncology Program, marking a significant milestone for personalized cancer care.
While large academic institutions often lead in innovative cancer treatments, regional oncology programs treat the majority of U.S. cancer patients, offering care closer to home. Willis Knighton Health exemplifies a community-based health system committed to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, including proton therapy.
Willis Knighton Health celebrates the launch of their new Nuclear Oncology program.
The new Nuclear Oncology Program, launched on World Theranostics Day, focuses on radioligand therapy, a targeted cancer treatment combining imaging and therapeutic radiation. This approach, inspired by Dr. Saul Hertz's pioneering work with radioactive iodine in 1941, continues to evolve, offering new possibilities for precision oncology.
Dr. Ilya Gipp, GE HealthCare's chief medical officer for Oncology represented the company at the March 31 event and said, “The launch of the Nuclear Oncology Program at Willis Knighton Cancer Center is a testament to the power of innovation in community-based cancer care. By integrating GE HealthCare’s advanced theranostics solutions, including precise imaging and monitoring technologies, Willis Knighton is bringing hope and improved outcomes to patients in their local communities, showcasing the transformative potential of our theranostics portfolio.”
Willis Knighton Health and GE HealthCare leadership celebrate World Theranostics Day and new Nuclear Oncology program equipped with GE HealthCare’s advanced technologies.
Radiotheranostics undoubtedly holds a bright and exciting future, offering immense promise for improving cancer care. Beyond current indications like prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, breakthroughs are anticipated in targeting novel markers such as fibroblast activation protein (FAP), immune checkpoint molecules like PD-L1/PD-1, and IL13Rα2, overexpressed in glioblastoma. In parallel, the rise of alpha-emitting isotopes – such as Actinium-225, Thorium-227, and Astatine-211 – are expected to redefine therapeutic possibilities with unparalleled precision and potency. With its clinical expertise and commitment to innovation, Willis Knighton Cancer Center is poised to continue setting new standards in personalized cancer treatment in a community setting – enhancing therapeutic accuracy, reducing disease burden, and most importantly, bringing renewed hope to patients and their families.
Dr. Lane R. Rosen, MD, medical director of radiation oncology, Willis Knighton Health said: “The Willis-Knighton Cancer Center stands out as a uniquely positioned leader in innovative cancer care. With the launch of our Nuclear Oncology department, we’ve become the only community oncology program in the nation to offer both radioligand therapy and particle radiation treatments. This powerful combination leverages the growing potential of radiotheranostics and advanced radiation therapy, placing our Center – and our patients – at the forefront of next-generation cancer treatment. Equipped with one of the few dedicated StarGuide SPECT/CT scanners in the country, and the first in Louisiana, we are proud to deliver highly targeted therapies with cutting-edge precision to the communities we serve.”
During World Theranostics Day, during the grand opening of the Willis Knighton Health Nuclear Oncology Center, a special message arrived from Barbara Hertz, daughter of Dr. Saul Hertz – the originator of theranostics. Barbara, who curates his archives and manages SaulHertzMD.com, shared a heartfelt message: “I am particularly delighted to learn about the launch of Nuclear Oncology at Willis Knighton Cancer Center on this special date. This is a milestone and a testament to your dedication to pioneering innovative treatments and improving the lives of those affected by cancer. My father’s legacy lives on through the remarkable work being done at institutions like yours.”
Her words serve as a reminder of the profound legacy that continues to inspire today’s advances in oncology – and a perfect note on which to celebrate a new chapter in personalized cancer care for the communities Willis Knighton Health serves.
