World Theranostics Day: Recognising Oncothera’s Mission and the People Behind It

On this #WorldTheranosticsDay, we take a moment to reflect on the growing impact of theranostics in transforming cancer care. Today is also an opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated individuals leading Oncothera, a not-for-profit registered charity founded in early 2024.

Our Mission: Expanding Access to Theranostics in Australia

Oncothera was established with a clear and urgent purpose—to improve access for Australian patients to cutting-edge theranostic treatments and diagnostics, particularly for cancer. Theranostics, the combination of targeted therapy and molecular imaging, has already changed countless lives by enabling more precise and effective treatments. However, there is still much work to be done in making these therapies available to all who need them.

Meet the Oncothera Team

At the heart of Oncothera is a passionate team of experts, each with over 25 years of experience in nuclear medicine, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Collectively, we have worked across senior management, technical, and clinical roles – witnessing first hand how theranostics has extended both the quality and quantity of life for thousands of patients battling cancer.

But beyond our professional experience, this mission is deeply personal. We believe that every patient should have access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment, and we are committed to making that a reality.

Honouring the Legacy of Ken Rikard-Bell

Oncothera was co-founded by Ken Rikard-Bell, whose vision and dedication to patient access were central to our mission. Tragically, Ken was diagnosed with advanced brain cancer and, after a short but courageous battle, passed away in early 2025.

In his honour, we continue his work with even greater determination. Ken believed in the power of theranostics to give patients more time and better outcomes, and we are committed to carrying that legacy forward – ensuring more Australians can benefit from these life-changing therapies.

A Future Filled with Innovation and Hope

We are witnessing an explosion of new theranostic innovations. In just the past three years, groundbreaking advancements have emerged, with many new diagnostic and therapeutic solutions set to enter clinical practice. These innovations hold immense promise – not just for mainstream cancers, but also for rare and hard-to-treat cancers, offering hope to patients who previously had few options.

However, access remains a challenge. Regulatory hurdles, funding limitations, and manufacturing complexities continue to create barriers for patients. That’s where Oncothera steps in: to drive collaboration, awareness, and advocacy to ensure that theranostics becomes a standard of care, not a privilege.

How You Can Get Involved

We can’t do this alone. We invite individuals, healthcare professionals, and corporate partners who share our passion to join us in our mission. Whether through sponsorship, research collaboration, or advocacy efforts, there are many ways to support our cause.

If you believe in the future of theranostics and want to make a difference, get in touch today. Email: info@oncothera.com.au