Cancer Care
Positron Emission Tomography (PET CT)
The Nirali Cancer Hospital is equipped with a state-of-the-art Siemens Biograph Horizen 16 slice PET-CT machine with a 3 ring LSO crystal (TOF capable) detector which has 22cm per bed coverage. This means a single Whole-Body PET-CT scan takes around 10-12 minutes.
The department performs PET-CT scans with F-18 FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose), F-18 PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) as prescribed by the referring physicians. As part of its expansion plan for the upcoming Nirali Multi-specialty Hospital, the department intends to perform PET-CT imaging with a few other radiotracers like F-18 FDOPA and Ga-68 DOTA SSA (Somatostatin Analogs).
Introduction:
Positron Emission Tomography (PET-CT) is a type of hybrid nuclear medicine imaging technique, which uses small amounts of radioactive material called radiotracers or radiopharmaceuticals to help diagnose and assess medical conditions.
The most common radiotracer is F-18 FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose), a molecule similar to glucose which is injected intravenously after adequate predefined patient preparation through an intravenous catheter placed before starting the procedure.
Similar to F-18 FDG, there are various other radiotracers which can be used for PET-CT scan. These include: F-18 NaF (Sodium Flouride), F-18 FLT (Fluorothymidine), F-18 FET (Fluoro Ethyl Tyrosine), F-18 PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) , F-18 DOPA (Dihydroxyphenylalanine), Ga-68 PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen), Ga-68 DOTA SSA (Somatostatin Analogs), G-68 FAPI (Fibroblast Activation Protein), Rb- 82 (Rubidium chloride).
The selection of the radiotracer depends on the medical condition to be imaged, as predetermined by national and international guidelines.
Common Applications of PET- CT:
- Detect cancer and/or make a diagnosis.
- Determine whether a cancer has spread in the body.
- Assess effectiveness of treatment.
- Determine if a cancer has recurred post-treatment.
- Evaluate prognosis.
- Assess tissue metabolism and viability.
- Assess myocardial perfusion and deficit, if any.
- Evaluate brain abnormalities, such as tumours, memory disorders, seizures and other central nervous system disorders.