Rodney J. Hicks

Rodney J. Hicks

MBBS (Hons), MD, FRACP, FICIS, FAAHMS

Oncologist

30+ years of Overall Experience

Male📍 Melbourne

About of Rodney J. Hicks

Rodney J. Hicks is an oncologist based in Melbourne, working from 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.


Rodney’s work focuses on helping people with cancer and related complex medical issues. This can include cancers such as neuroendocrine tumours, adrenal cancers, lung cancers, melanoma, and some lymphoma types. At times, patients also come in with hormone or blood-sugar related problems that are linked to tumours, like carcinoid syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, or low blood sugar from insulin-type conditions.


Over time, Rodney has built a strong background in cancer imaging. He has worked in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging for more than 30 years, with a big focus on PET and PET/CT scans. That imaging experience matters, because it helps doctors see where disease is, how active it is, and what treatment options may fit best.


Rodney has also held senior roles in cancer imaging and new imaging technology. He was the former Director of Cancer Imaging at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. He also helped set up and lead the Melbourne Theranostic Innovation Centre (MTIC) as founder, chair, and head of clinical operations. More recently, he has been Chief Medical Officer and Board Chair of Precision Molecular Imaging and Theranostics (PreMIT Pty Ltd.).


In many cases, this kind of experience supports a more careful, team-based approach to care. Rodney works to align imaging and clinical findings so patients can move through decisions with clearer information. The goal is plain: make sure the right tests are done, and that treatment planning stays grounded in what the body is showing.


Education and training include MBBS (Hons) from Monash University (1982), MD at the University of Melbourne (1999), and specialist training with FRACP through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Rodney also holds fellowship qualifications including FICIS from the International College of Integrative Medicine and FAAHMS from the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. He completed a Nuclear Medicine Fellowship at the University of Michigan in 1991.


There is also a research and innovation side to Rodney’s work, especially around cancer imaging and theranostics, where imaging can help guide and match treatments. Clinical trials: none are listed here.

OPD Timing

Melbourne Theranostic Innovation Centre (MTIC)

Level 8/14-20 Blackwood St, North Melbourne VIC 3051

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Education

  • MBBS (Hons); Monash University; 1982
  • MD - Doctor of Medicine; University of Melbourne; 1999
  • FRACP: Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians; Royal Australasian College of Physicians
  • FICIS: Fellow of the International College of Integrative Medicine; International College of Integrative Medicine
  • FAAHMS: Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences; Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences
  • Nuclear Medicine Fellowship; University of Michigan; 1991

Services & Conditions Treated

Neuroendocrine TumorPheochromocytomaAdrenal CancerCerebral HypoxiaCervical CancerDiffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)Febrile NeutropeniaInsulinomaLung CancerMelanomaMerkel Cell CarcinomaMetastatic InsulinomaNon-Hodgkin LymphomaNon-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)Prostate CancerPulmonary EmbolismAdult Soft Tissue SarcomaAgranulocytosisAlzheimer's DiseaseAnal CancerAnaplastic Thyroid CancerB-Cell LymphomaBrain AbscessBreast CancerCarcinoid SyndromeColorectal CancerCongenital HyperinsulinismCushing's syndromeEctopic Cushing's syndromeEmbryonal Tumor with Multilayered RosettesEpilepsyEsophageal CancerFollicular LymphomaGanglioneuromaGliomatosis CerebriHuman Papillomavirus InfectionLow Blood SugarLung MetastasesLung NodulesLymphofollicular HyperplasiaMantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)Metastatic Uveal MelanomaNeuroblastomaOlfactory NeuroblastomaOrchiectomyPancreatic CancerPancreatic Islet Cell TumorPatent Foramen OvalePatent Foramen Ovale RepairPneumoniaProstatectomyScrotal MassesSeizuresStomach CancerTesticular CancerThrombocytopeniaThyroid Cancer

Publications

5 total
Safety and efficacy of re-treatment with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-Octreotate radionuclide therapy in progressive gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours - a single centre experience.

European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging • February 10, 2025

Raghava Kashyap, Ramin Alipour, Emma Boehm, Kerry Jewell, Aravind Ravikumar, Anthony Cardin, Javad Saghebi, Michael Hofman, Michael Fahey, Michael Michael, Tim Akhurst, Rodney Hicks, Grace Kong

Objective: Patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP NET) who retain somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression after initial response to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-Octreotate (LuTate) peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) are amenable to re-treatment (R-PRRT) upon progression. We assessed the safety and efficacy of R-PRRT in patients with progressive metastatic GEP NET. Methods: A retrospective analysis, approved by institutional ethics board, was performed in patients with GEP NET who received R-PRRT for either symptomatically or radiologically progressive disease. Safety was assessed by renal and haematological parameters at 3 months post R-PRRT (CTCAE v5.0). Molecular imaging response was evaluated on [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Octreotate (GaTate) PET/CT using pre-defined criteria. RECIST 1.1 responses 3 months post R-PRRT were documented when feasible. Progression-free and overall survival analysis were performed. Results: A total of 63 patients had R1-PRRT (1-3 cycles). The majority (70%) had Grade 2 NET and small intestinal primary (51%). A second re-treatment course (R2-PRRT) was given in 20 patients and a third course (R3-PRRT) in 6 patients. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was stable following R1-PRRT. Following R2-PRRT, worsening GFR from CTCAE G2 to G3 was seen in 10% (2/20) of patients, but none after R3-PRRT. Grade 3 thrombocytopenia occurred in 2 patients after R1-PRRT and in 1 patient after R3-PRRT. Grade 4 thrombocytopenia was observed in 1 patient post R1-PRRT. Following R1-PRRT, RECIST 1.1 responses CR, PR, SD was 0%, 10%, 76%, respectively. Disease control rate on GaTate PET/CT was 52/58 (89%) post R1-PRRT. Median progression free survival (PFS) following R1-PRRT was 1.6 years (95% CI:1.2-2.3). Conclusions: R-PRRT is feasible, tolerable and efficacious in achieving disease control in patients with progressive GEP NET.

International Consensus Statement on Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Research of Richter Transformation: the ERIC Recommendations.

Blood • January 17, 2025

Adam Kittai, Monia Marchetti, Othman Al Sawaf, Ohad Benjamini, Alexey Danilov, Matthew Davids, Barbara Eichhorst, Toby Eyre, Anna Frustaci, Michael Hallek, Paul Hampel, Yair Herishanu, Rodney Hicks, Arnon Kater, Rebecca King, José-ignacio Martín Subero, Carolyn Owen, Erin Parry, Maurilio Ponzoni, Davide Rossi, Tanya Siddiqi, Stephan Stilgenbauer, Constantine Tam, Elisa Ten Hacken, Philip Thompson, William Wierda, Gianluca Gaidano, Jennifer Woyach, Paolo Ghia

Richter transformation (RT) is defined as an aggressive lymphoma emerging in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL). Despite novel therapeutics developed in CLL, RT is associated with poor outcomes. In light of recent progress regarding the diagnostic procedures and therapeutic concepts of RT, an international group of experts, under the coordination of the European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC), has developed consensus recommendations for clinical procedures and future research on this disease. Patients with RT typically present with a rapid clinical decline, worsening B-symptoms, elevated LDH, and/or rapidly enlarging lymphadenopathy. Workup should include a PET-CT for patients with suspected RT. An excisional biopsy should be taken from an accessible lesion, preferably with the highest FDG avidity, and analyzed for the presence of aggressive lymphoma. The molecular relationship to the original CLL clone(s) should be defined. As no effective standard treatment for RT exists, patients should be treated in a clinical trial. Response of both RT and CLL should be assessed at an early time point, and survival endpoints should be prioritized in trial design. We hope that these recommendations can help to harmonize clinical and translational research and improve outcomes for patients with RT.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in malignant insulinoma.

Endocrine-Related Cancer • January 18, 2025

David Pattison, Grace Kong, Timothy Akhurst, Matthew Burge, Cherie Chiang, Michael Hofman, Te-jui Hung, Amanda Love, Michael Michael, Satomi Okano, Aravind Ravi Kumar, Nirupa Sachithanandan, David Wyld, Rodney Hicks

The management of malignant insulinoma (MI) presents dual management challenges of hypoglycaemia and tumour control. This study aims to analyse long-term outcomes of PRRT for the treatment of MI. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with MI treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE (LuTATE) at two Australian NET centres between 2004 and 2022. Follow-up for hypoglycaemia, molecular imaging, radiologic and biochemical responses, treatment-related side-effects, progression-free and overall survival were assessed. Of 15 patients (seven female; median age 60, range 26-82) treated for intractable hypoglycaemia, WHO grade (G) was known in 12 patients (three G1, six G2 and three G3). PRRT was administered in a median of seven cycles (range 1-15), with a median cumulative activity of 42 GBq (range 4-117 GBq) and radiosensitizing chemotherapy in 9/15 (60%) patients. Resolution of hypoglycaemia was observed in 14/15 (93%) patients after a median of 2.5 months (range 0.2-23.5), but recurred in 7/14 cases after a median of 17.7 months (range 7.6-48.3). Patients with recurrent hypoglycaemia had a longer time to hypoglycaemia resolution (median 3.0 vs 0.5 months), were more likely G3 (57 vs 0%) and experienced higher mortality (86 vs 29%). In all seven cases, PRRT re-treatment was successful. The mean duration of hypoglycaemia remission was 23.8 months (range 9.2-101). The median progression-free and overall survival was 17.9 months (95% CI, 8.5-43.2) and 50.1 months (95% CI, 23.0-ND), respectively. Side-effects included G3/4 myelosuppression in 4/15 patients and hypoglycaemia flare (hospitalisation >48 h) in 7/15 patients. PRRT provides durable hypoglycaemic and oncologic disease control of MI with manageable toxicity including hypoglycaemia flare requiring multidisciplinary care.

International consensus statement on diagnosis, evaluation, and research of Richter transformation: the ERIC recommendations.

Blood • January 17, 2025

Adam Kittai, Monia Marchetti, Othman Al Sawaf, Ohad Benjamini, Alexey Danilov, Matthew Davids, Barbara Eichhorst, Toby Eyre, Anna Frustaci, Michael Hallek, Paul Hampel, Yair Herishanu, Rodney Hicks, Arnon Kater, Rebecca King, Jose Martin Subero, Carolyn Owen, Erin Parry, Maurilio Ponzoni, Davide Rossi, Tanya Siddiqi, Stephan Stilgenbauer, Constantine Tam, Elisa Hacken, Philip Thompson, William Wierda, Gianluca Gaidano, Jennifer Woyach, Paolo Ghia

Richter transformation (RT) is defined as an aggressive lymphoma emerging in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL). Despite novel therapeutics developed in CLL, RT is associated with poor outcomes. In light of recent progress regarding the diagnostic procedures and therapeutic concepts of RT, an international group of experts, under the coordination of the European Research Initiative on CLL, has developed consensus recommendations for clinical procedures and future research on this disease. Patients with RT typically present with a rapid clinical decline, worsening B-symptoms, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and/or rapidly enlarging lymphadenopathy. Workup should include a positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan for patients with suspected RT. An excisional biopsy should be taken from an accessible lesion, preferably with the highest fluorodeoxyglucose avidity, and analyzed for the presence of aggressive lymphoma. The molecular relationship to the original CLL clone(s) should be defined. Because no effective standard treatment for RT exists, patients should be treated in a clinical trial. Response of both RT and CLL should be assessed at an early time point, and survival end points should be prioritized in trial design. We hope that these recommendations can help to harmonize clinical and translational research and improve outcomes for patients with RT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Dr Rodney J. Hicks offer?
Dr Hicks provides expertise in a wide range of cancers and related conditions, including lung, breast, colorectal, melanoma, lymphomas, pancreatic and prostate cancers, as well as grey areas like neuroendocrine tumours, encephalitis and seizures. His work covers diagnosis, treatment options and support for many cancer types.
Which conditions or cancers are commonly treated by Dr Hicks?
Common areas include non-Hodgkin and B-cell lymphomas, various forms of leukemia and solid tumours such as lung, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate and melanoma, plus neuroendocrine tumours and other related conditions listed in his practice.
Where is Dr Hicks currently practising?
Dr Hicks practices at 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
How can I make an appointment with Dr Hicks?
To arrange an appointment, contact his clinic at the Melbourne address. The clinic will guide you on available times and any prep needed for your visit.
What should I bring to my appointment with Dr Hicks?
Bring any relevant medical records, scans, test results and a list of medications you take. If you have specific concerns like symptoms or a diagnosis, mention them so he can help plan your care.
What kind of concerns can patients bring up with Dr Hicks?
Patients often ask about cancer diagnosis and treatment options, concerns about side effects, prognosis, and next steps in care. You can also discuss symptoms like fever, infections or neurological symptoms, and how they affect your treatment plan.

Contact Information

305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

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Memberships

  • Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
  • Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
  • Fellow of the International Cancer Imaging Society (FICIS)
  • Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (FAAHMS)
  • Member, Medical Advisory Panel, International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance (INCA)