Nuclear Medicine

18 F FDG PET-CT

• Whole body PET-CT imaging for identifying extent of certain types of cancers

• Assess response to chemotherapy/radiation therapy and to detect disease recurrence/disease progression

• To detect foci of infection in fever of unknown origin

• Regional infection PET imaging to diagnose/rule out osteomyelitis in patients who have undergone hip replacement surgeries

• Detect diabetic foot osteomyelitis

• Assess myocardial viability

• Cardiac sarcoidosis evaluation

• Interictal PET to localise seizure foci before planning for surgery

68 Gallium Whole Body PET-CT

• 68 Gallium PSMA PET-CT for prostate carcinoma

• 68 Gallium DOTATOC PET-CT for neuroendocrine tumours

• 68 Gallium Exendin PET-CT for insulinoma

Therapeutic Applications

• 177 Lutetium DOTA-TATE Therapy for neuroendocrine tumours

• 177 Lutetium PSMA therapy for prostate carcinomas

• Strontium therapy for bone pain palliation

• Low dose radioiodine - 131 therapy of hyper functioning thyroid

• High dose Iodine I-131 therapy for thyroid cancer

• Recombinant TSH assisted I-131 therapy for thyroid cancer

• I-131 MIBG therapy for malignant neuroendocrine tumours

• 188 Rhenium Lipoidol therapy/Yttrium 90 SIR sphere therapy for metastatic liver tumour patients who are no longer responding to chemotherapy/those with primary liver cancer that cannot be surgically

Digital PET with 80 slice CT (United Imaging, UMI 550 Digital PET/CT scanner)

• First in Bangalore: Pioneer in introducing advanced imaging technology.

• Ultra-fast, high-resolution: Swift and detailed imaging for accurate diagnosis.

• Complete Organ Coverage: 24 cm axial FOV provides full organ coverage, enabling dynamic studies.

• Quick Whole-Body Scans: Acquires whole-body scans in just 4 positions, completing scans in under 10 minutes.

• Reduced Radiation Dose: Cuts patient radiotracer dose by 50% for enhanced safety.

• Small Lesion Detection: The industry's smallest crystal (2.7 mm) allows precise detection of small lesions.

• Ultra-High Resolution: Achieves 2.9 mm NEMA and 1.4 mm Clinical Resolution for detailed imaging.

• Advanced Technologies: Incorporates advanced features like TOF, PSF, HYPER Iterative, and HYPER DPR for improved image quality.

• Best Image Clarity: Higher Matrix (600x600) ensures optimal image clarity.

• High Temporal Resolution: Rapid 0.5-sec rotation speed enhances temporal resolution for detailed imaging.

1.a) PET CT Scan 

A positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan, is a sophisticated medical imaging technique that combines two powerful technologies to provide comprehensive information about the structure and function of the body. 

When is it used? 

PET/CT scans are widely used in oncology to

• Detect and stage various types of cancer

• Identify early disease even before the onset of symptoms

• Precisely locate and characterize lesions

• Assess the extent of disease spread

• Help physicians plan appropriate treatment strategies

• Guide biopsy and surgery

• Monitor treatment response

• Reduce unnecessary procedures

PET/CT scan can also be used to diagnose

• Heart conditions such as coronary heart disease

• Neurological Disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and brain tumours

• Infectious and inflammatory diseases

• Endocrine disorders

• Bone disorders

How it works?

• We inject a tiny amount of radiotracer called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-18) into your body. This radioactive material emits signals depending on how much sugar your tissues are absorbing. 

• A PET scanner then detects these signals, measuring the activity of your cells. This helps us spot areas with increased or unusual activity, like where tumours may be developing.

• At the same time, a CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of your body's structure, showing the size and location of organs and any potential issues. PET/CT scans typically have a lower radiation dose compared to conventional CT scans.

The PET/CT scan merges these details, giving us a complete picture of both metabolic activity and anatomical structures. This helps us understand your health more accurately.

1.b) PSMA PET Scan 

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET (PSMA PET) scan, is an advanced medical imaging technique used in prostate cancer diagnosis and management. It is particularly valuable for detecting and staging prostate cancer, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring the response to therapy with high precision. 

How does it benefit prostate cancer management?

A PSMA PET scan enables timely action, making it an essential tool in the prostate cancer treatment process.

• Detects prostate cancer at an earlier stage when it is most curable and treatable.

• Pinpoints the exact location and extent of prostate cancer.

• Provides detailed information for accurately staging the cancer. 

• Helps in personalizing treatment strategies based on the specific characteristics of the cancer.

• Enables real-time monitoring of how well the cancer is responding to treatment.

• Reduce the need for invasive procedures by providing comprehensive information through non-invasive imaging.

• Contributes to better treatment outcomes through precise and targeted management.

• Assists in more effective follow-up care by identifying any potential recurrence or spread of the cancer.

How it works?

A PSMA PET scan works by using a special radioactive substance that has a preference for prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMA), found in higher amounts on prostate cancer cells.

• You will receive an injection of a radioactive substance.

• The injected radiotracer circulates in your body and is naturally absorbed by prostate cancer cells if they are present.

A PET scanner then captures images that highlight areas where the substance has accumulated, helping to pinpoint the location and extent of prostate cancer cells in your body.