New scanner means a better outlook for patients

A new PET/CT scanning department – one of only a handful in the UK, and the first in East Anglia – opens at Addenbrooke’s on Friday 12 December.

 

PET/CT technology uses two different techniques - Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography – and combines the results to produce detailed three-dimensional images of what is happening inside a patient’s body.

 

“We can use PET/CT to improve our management of a wide range of illnesses," says Professor David Lomas, from the hospital’s Department of Radiology. “For example, in patients with certain types of cancer we can find small tumours deep inside the body that may not be easily detected using other imaging techniques. That can help us to tailor treatment to the individual patient at the time of diagnosis – and we can use further PET/CT studies to show how well it is working or if a tumour has recurred.

 

“The hospital already provides a range of sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic imaging techniques, but this new department completes the services we can offer. Having access to this technology is excellent news for patients coming to Addenbrooke’s."

 

 

 

As well as cancer patients, the PET/CT team will examine patients from other specialties including Cardiology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Science, and Infectious Diseases.

 

The new department is the result of a collaboration between Addenbrooke’s, the Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, the pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Cancer Research UK, and the University of Cambridge. As well as NHS patient examinations, the scanner will also be used for research into medical imaging and to evaluate treatments for cancer.

 

 

Dr David Tuveson, from Cancer Research UK's Cambridge Research Institute, said: “It is a testament to the world-class research taking place in Cambridge that MSD has chosen to work with us at the Addenbrooke’s site. This equipment will enable us to remain at the forefront of research efforts on some of the hardest-to-treat cancers. We are extremely grateful to the company for their support."

 

Mercia Page, Director of Medical Affairs at MSD, said: "We are delighted to be able to help patients by supporting this new technology. We hope that this will provide greater access to equipment which can assist with diagnosis, and allow doctors to select suitable treatment for the individual patient's needs."

 

The department will be officially opened by Professor Patrick Sissons, Cambridge’s Regius Professor of Physic, at 12.30pm on Friday 12 December 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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