Today, Nat leads our Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Oncology platform at Icon Group, and his dedication to advancing treatment options and advocating for greater access to precision medicines is making a profound impact on patients across Australia and beyond.
Learn more about Nat and his significant career in nuclear medicine and research.
Coming from a family where higher education was unheard of, Nat never thought he’d become a nuclear oncology clinician, however, the support and guidance of his high school teachers and a local general practitioner (GP), helped Nat realise his potential.
“I came from a working-class family, who emigrated from Sicily, where no one from previous generations had ever going to university,” Nat explained.
“But meeting our family GP – who left school at 14, and despite that, became a GP – made me realise I could become a doctor too.
“He was always available for his patients and not only had an enormous amount of knowledge and skill, but he also had a real love of people and an unfaltering obligation to service – something I hold in my own practice today.”
Nat always had an interest in the ‘high-tech’ and research fields of medicine, but it was only by chance that he found nuclear medicine.
“During medical school, I developed an interest in physiology and biochemistry, particularly in the context of research,” Nat explained.
“I wanted to become a physician, inspired by those I encountered as a junior doctor, but it was by chance that I found nuclear medicine while filling in for a colleague on maternity leave.”
Drawn in by the mix of technical and patient-facing aspects, Nat pursued a molecular imaging and nuclear oncology career, completing his nuclear medicine training at Fremantle Hospital and completing a Fellowship at the University of Michigan.
Working in the field for over 20 years, Nat has now joined Icon Group as Clinical Director (Asia Pacific) – Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Oncology.
“I’m thrilled to be part of Icon, expanding our molecular imaging and nuclear oncology services to more patients,” Nat said.
“What I love most about Icon are the people, the vision, and the commitment to ensuring that patients receive the best care possible.”
Over the years, Nat’s career has been shaped by countless experiences, clinical breakthroughs, and the counsel and mentorship of many clinicians.
“In my early years of medicine, I was fortunate to be exposed to groundbreaking treatments in immunology/HIV medicine and anti-CD20 radioantibody ligand therapy against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“These experiences showed me the incredible potential of personalised targeted treatments and fuelled my desire to continue researching new ways to provide the best care for my patients.”
In addition to drawing on his clinical experience, Nat stays at the forefront of his field by participating in trials, attending conferences, and writing academic papers.
“I’m always looking for new techniques, whether diagnostic or therapeutic, that I can bring into clinical practice and most importantly to my patients,” Nat added.
Despite the challenges that come with oncology, Nat finds immense fulfillment in helping patients.
“Sometimes, treatments don’t work and telling a patient they have no options left can be devastating,” Nat expressed.
“But there are also many moments of triumph—like the farmer from Geraldton who had no other options and is now disease-free seven years post-treatment, or a prostate cancer patient I treated six years ago who still has undetectable PSA levels.
“These successes make the tough times worth it.”
Pictured: Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton OAM welcoming Dr Lenzo to Icon
Nat says many promising developments are on the horizon, with nuclear medicine playing a key role.
Nat works closely with our Group Director of Molecular Oncology, Julie Crouch and nuclear medicine physician, A/Prof David Macfarlane in the strategic roll out of molecular oncology treatments and research and looks forward to bringing these promising treatments to more communities.
“Molecular imaging and genomics are becoming integral to oncology, and I believe every cancer service will incorporate nuclear medicine in some form in the future,” Nat explained.
“I hope to bring Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Oncology to Icon’s global network, embracing PET, molecular imaging and nuclear oncology as part of our comprehensive treatment strategy.
“There is a tsunami of nuclear oncology treatments on the horizon, and they will add to our tools against cancer, which will hopefully see even better outcomes for cancer patients in the future.”
Our first molecular oncology service started at Icon Cancer Centre North Lakes, Qld in late 2023 delivering theranostics for people in Brisbane’s north.
Icon plans to introduce theranostics treatment and molecular oncology research to more centres across Australia, Singapore and the UK.
Icon Group is Australia’s largest dedicated cancer care provider and has expanded globally into Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong and New Zealand.
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