Positron emission and computed X-ray tomography: a coming together.
We describe the introduction of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to the investigation of patients with cancer. The first such unit in the UK and its mode of operation is discussed and initial applications shown. Five hundred and thirty-five patients have been scanned with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose from mid-January 2002 to the end of August 2002. From this initial experience a clear view of the impact of this technology is emerging. It can now be stated that (1) PET/CT does speed up the throughput of patient studies by at least 25% and hence adds to the comfort of patients scanned; and (2) PET/CT leads to greater accuracy in the interpretation of data. In view of the routine availability of high quality PET and CT fused maps a significant development in radiotherapy planning is on the horizon. We discuss our experience at present and point to further developments in the near future.
Costa
D C
DC
Institute of Nuclear Medicine, UCL and UCLH NHS Trust Hospitals, London, UK. d.c.costa@btinternet.com
Visvikis
D
D
Crosdale
I
I
Pigden
I
I
Townsend
C
C
Bomanji
J
J
Prvulovich
E
E
Lonn
A
A
Ell
P J
PJ
D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011786:Quality Control; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000379:methods*; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18