Positron emission and computed X-ray tomography: a coming together

• Published in: Nuclear medicine communications Vol. 24; no. 4; p. 351
• Main Authors: Costa, D C, Visvikis, D, Crosdale, I, Pigden, I, Townsend, C, Bomanji, J, Prvulovich, E, Lonn, A, Ell, P J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.04.2003
• Subjects: Equipment Design; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted - methods; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted - statistics & numerical data; Male; Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Quality Control; Radiopharmaceuticals; Subtraction Technique; Technology Assessment, Biomedical - methods; Tomography, Emission-Computed - instrumentation; Tomography, Emission-Computed - methods; Tomography, Emission-Computed - statistics & numerical data; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - instrumentation; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - statistics & numerical data; United Kingdom
• ISSN: 0143-3636
• DOI: 10.1097/00006231-200304000-00003

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.