On International Day of Radiology, Life Healthcare is spotlighting the critical role of PET-CT scans in cancer diagnosis and treatment, urging for their wider adoption across South Africa.
PET-CT technology, which combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT), provides a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, offering precise imaging that can enhance treatment outcomes.
Life Healthcare is advocating for the integration of PET-CT scans into standard clinical practice across South Africa, highlighting that broader access to this technology could greatly enhance patient outcomes.
“This cutting-edge technology is revolutionising the way we detect and manage cancer, offering significant advantages,” says Dr. Holger Wellman, Oncology Clinical Lead at Life Healthcare.
While a range of diagnostic tools exists, PET-CT scans offer a unique advantage by visualising cellular activity, allowing specialists to precisely locate tumours, evaluate the disease’s spread, and tailor treatment plans. This approach often leads to less invasive interventions and is particularly effective for cancers like breast and prostate.
“PET-CT combines detailed CT images of the body’s structure with PET images showing cellular activity. Cancer cells are typically more active and show up brightly on the PET scan, making it easier to detect and pinpoint cancerous lesions,” explains Dr. Wellman. “This comprehensive information empowers oncology teams to develop more targeted and effective treatment strategies for each patient.”
Globally, PET-CT is also playing a crucial role in cardiology and neurology, aiding in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, dementia, and movement disorders. Life Molecular Imaging, a division of Life Healthcare, is leveraging molecular imaging to enhance precision in cardiovascular diagnostics and improve patient outcomes. Innovative imaging agents like Neuraceq further bolster diagnostic accuracy, particularly for Alzheimer’s disease.
Life Healthcare emphasises the importance of integrating PET-CT into standard clinical practice in South Africa.
Evidence from international studies shows that PET-CT is not only more cost-effective but also more accurate than conventional diagnostic scans for oncology.
However, a recent Life Healthcare study identifies a significant gap: only 20,000 PET-CT scans are performed annually in South Africa, compared to 231,000 in the UK and 118,000 in Australia.
The report finds that PET-CT imaging yields superior diagnostic results and treatment outcomes for cancers like breast cancer compared to conventional methods. Yet, inconsistent funding and referral pathways hinder broader adoption. It suggests alternative reimbursement models to help overcome these barriers and align South African practices with international standards.
Life Healthcare encourages patients to discuss the benefits of PET-CT with their specialists and medical aid providers.
“By embracing these advancements in nuclear medicine, we can strive towards better outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals facing a cancer diagnosis,” says Dr. Wellman.
