Clinical experience with the first combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography scanner in Australia.
Metabolic imaging with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is increasing rapidly worldwide because of superior accuracy compared with conventional non-invasive techniques used for evaluating cancer. Limited anatomical information from FDG-PET images alone dictates that complementary use with structural imaging is required to optimise benefit. Recently, combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanners have overtaken standalone PET scanners as the most commonly purchased PET devices. We describe our experience of over 5500 scans performed since the first PET/CT scanner in Australia was commissioned at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (PMCC), Melbourne, in January 2002. Clinical indications for PET/CT scans performed at PMCC largely reflect current Medicare reimbursement policy. Advantages of PET/CT include greater patient comfort and higher throughput, greater diagnostic certainty and accuracy, improved biopsy methods, and better treatment planning. We believe PET/CT will underpin more effective and efficient imaging paradigms for many common tumours, and lead to a decrease in imaging costs.
Lau
W F Eddie
WF
Department of Radiology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC. Eddie.Lau@petermac.org
Binns
David S
DS
Ware
Robert E
RE
Ramdave
Shakher
S
Cachin
Florent
F
Pitman
Alexander G
AG
Hicks
Rodney J
RJ
D001315:Australia; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement / Q000191:economics; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18