Combined PET/CT Scans More Accurate in Diagnosing Cancer
A new form of scanning for cancer patients, which combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans improves the accuracy of cancer evaluation compared with either device used alone.
Author of the report, Professor Rodney Hicks, director of the Centre for Molecular Imaging at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, and colleagues, say the innovation promises to become the most comprehensive diagnostic tool in oncology imaging.
Four of the 12 PET scanners now operating in Australia are PET/CT devices. Recently, combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanners have overtaken standalone PET scanners as the most commonly purchased PET devices.
The first PET/CT scanner was commissioned in January 2002 at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, partly funded through a Commonwealth capital grant.
"Having now performed more than 5,500 scans, we felt it opportune to describe our experience with this major innovation in diagnostic imaging," Professor Hicks said.
PET/CT scans are quicker and more comfortable for the patient. They also provide greater diagnostic certainty and accuracy, especially in areas of dense anatomy such as head, neck, abdomen and pelvis.
The combined scan also provides improved biopsy methods and better treatment planning.
"The transition from PET and CT to PET/CT appears to be inevitable as the medical and oncology communities become more familiar with the new technology, but the pace of change will be heavily influenced by restrictions imposed by Medicare reimbursement policy," Professor Hicks said.
"We believe PET/CT will underpin more effective and efficient imaging paradigms for many common tumours and lead to a decrease in imaging costs," he said.
The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.
CONTACT Professor Rodney HICKS, 0408 994 077
Judith TOKLEY, AMA Public Affairs, 0408 824 306 / 02 6270 5471