PET/CT System Optimized for Cancer Detection

More than 6 million people in the world will die from cancer this year according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, one in three will be diagnosed with cancer in his or her lifetime. Mobile Molecular Imaging, a new imaging center located on the campus of Springhill Medical Center, offers a redesigned scanning system completely optimized for detecting and treating cancer.

The Discovery ST system from GE Medical System integrates a positron emission tomography (PET scanner with a multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner and is capable of 2D and 3D imaging. The technology provides physicians with moresensitivity, speed, resolution, and diagnostic confidence when treating cancer patients.

“This imaging device contains many new enhancements and improvements from earlier PET Scanners,” said Joe Zurfluh, a member of the center’s Board of Managers.

The new system combines the fastest and most sophisticated CT technology with the most advanced PET technology – all in a single exam. PET creates images of high metabolic activity in the body, rather than creating images of anatomy only. CT scans allow doctors to see the internal structures within the human body. Together, a PET/CT scan allows physicians to view metabolic activity and pinpoint where abnormal lesions are located so that they may target disease.

The “ST” in Discovery ST stands for “See and Treat,” which is what this new system allows physicians to do. It assists them in seeing the disease and planning radiation therapy treatment. The new system shortens scan times, provides improved image quality in both 2D and 3D modes, and is equipped with
an enhanced boreshape to accommodate all patient sizes.

“Less time on the table means faster results and greater patient comfort,” said radiologist Allen Oaks, MD. “With the Discovery ST, we will all encounter better image quality and greater confidence in image interpretation.

The new Discovery ST allows us to not only ‘see’ the disease, but to begin to plan precision treatment.”
“The Discovery ST is an example of MobileMolecular Imaging’s commitment to innovation and technology for early disease detection and supporting physicians in improved diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Oaks explained.

“With its larger bore, or opening, (70 cm) and shorter tunnel length (100 cm), physicians have more flexibility in positioning larger patients and for better radiation therapy planning. It also is more accommodating to our claustrophobic patients.”

DISEASE DETECTING TECHNOLOGY

Prior to having a PET/CT scan, the patient receives a dose of radiopharmaceutical tracer containing substances that mimic those normally used in the body including water, sugars, proteins and oxygen. These tracers accumulate in diseased cells. During the scan, the tracers are detected by the system and highlight abnormal physiology. Physicians use this image to detect disease, its location and severity. It also tracks how rapidly disease is spreading and how rapidly it is shrinking with treatment.

Mobile Molecular Imaging is a joint venture between Springhill Medical Complex and local physicians. The completely digital PET/CT is a fixed unit in a free-standing facility that is well staffed and conveniently located adjacent to the Gerald Wallace Auditorium on the campus of Springhill Medical Center. Radiologists, Allen Oaks, M.D., and Nathan Ginsberg, M.D., will provide the interpretations of the images. Any physician can refer to the Center, and most insurance carriers cover these types of scans.

Call 316-3868 for more information on PET/CT scanning technology.