Alt Group

NanoTheranostics

Alt group
2022 Alt group L-R Ms Edwina Jap, Dr Karen Alt, Ms Jurie Tashkandi, Mr Nathan Luu, Ms Rania Hashad. Absent: Ms Siqi Li

Group Leader

Key terms

Theranostics, Molecular Imaging, Antibody Engineering, Personalised Medicine, Diabetes

Research Goal

My key objective is to develop imaging techniques to better understand the underlying mechanisms of different disease progression and the impact of targeted therapies.


Dr Karen Alt and Dr Robert Brkljaca explain the new Magnetic Particle Imaging facility. See video

Research Overview

Early and accurate detection of disease is essential for improving patient outcomes. Advances in medical imaging and nanotechnology are opening new possibilities for identifying pathological changes at their earliest stages, often before symptoms appear. My research focuses on the development of innovative imaging agents and nanomaterials that not only detect disease with high sensitivity and specificity, but also lay the groundwork for more personalised treatment strategies.

By incorporating targeting molecules—such as antibodies or peptides—into imaging-enabled nanoparticles, we can achieve precise delivery to diseased tissues while distinguishing them from healthy ones. These targeted systems allow for:

  • Early and accurate diagnosis, improving the chance of curative intervention;
  • Identification of patients who are more likely to benefit from specific therapies; and
  • Real-time monitoring of treatment responses.

Building on these diagnostic capabilities, I also explore the integration of therapeutic functions—an approach known as theranostics—particularly in the context of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and, more recently, diabetes-related complications. These multifunctional systems have the potential to deliver targeted treatments with reduced side effects and improved efficacy, paving the way for more personalised and effective healthcare solutions.

Projects and Opportunities

  • Novel targeted radiopharmaceuticals for personalised therapy and real-time monitoring
  • Heart & Kidney Axis

Funding

My work has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and Diabetes Australia/SA Foundation.

Selected Publications

Recent publications