February 15, 2005
PET/CT Scanner Added to PAMF's Diagnostic Arsenal
New Tool in Cancer Care, Cardiac Disease and Brain Disorders
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) has added a powerful new asset to its diagnostic arsenal – a PET/CT scanner. The machine, which began patient use in January, is located in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the Palo Alto Clinic. It is shared with the Camino Medical Group (CMG), a division of PAMF.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) works by creating powerful images of the biological functions of the body to reveal disease states. Prior to the exam, the patient receives a radioactive solution containing tracers, which emit signals as they travel through the body, creating images. The PET part of PET/CT measures the degree of sugar uptake and can image cancers that are difficult to see otherwise, while the Computed Tomography (CT) aspect of the scanner improves the quality of the PET scan. The CT scan, which can be performed in about 35 minutes, also provides an anatomical basis for localizing where the sugar or glucose uptake has occurred.
“The real value of the equipment is the fusion of the CT and PET scans,” said Lawrence Basso, M.D., chair of the department, who works collaboratively with technicians and other clinical staff in PET/CT delivery. “CT scan alone is good for anatomical imaging and PET scan for function, but together they are able to produce higher-quality images that allow physicians to see the larger picture in greater detail.”
The most significant applications of PET/CT imaging are anticipated in cancer care and the radiation treating planning (RTP) process, which are expected to greatly improve clinical outcomes and save lives. The scan can provide physicians information on whether or not a tumor is malignant, the extent of the cancer, whether it has spread to other areas and the effectiveness of treatment, helping them to determine the most beneficial course of treatment, including surgery if necessary. The scan is also beginning to be used for evaluating certain cardiac disease, as well as skin and brain disorders.
“PET is the most important advancement in molecular imaging since the invention of the microscope,” says Qumars Ahmadi, director of imaging services for CMG’s Department of Radiology. “Welcome to 21st Century medicine, where molecular imaging saves lives more than ever and enhances patient care.”
For more information about PAMF’s Department of Nuclear Medicine, visit www.pamf.org or call 650-853-2924. For more information about CMG’s Department of Radiology, visit www.caminomedical.org or call 408-730-4310.
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation for Health Care, Research and Education is a not-for-profit health care organization that is a pioneer in both multispecialty group practice of medicine and outpatient medicine. The foundation has three health care divisions: the Palo Alto Division, the Camino Division and the Santa Cruz Division. The Palo Alto Division, staffed by 290 physicians of the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, has provided a full range of care for Peninsula residents since it was founded in 1930. It operates clinics in Fremont, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Portola Valley and Redwood Shores. PAMF is part of the Sutter Health family of not-for-profit hospitals and physician organizations that share resources and expertise to advance health care quality. Serving more than 100 communities in Northern California, Sutter Health is a regional leader in cardiac care as well as care of women and children, and is a pioneer in advanced patient safety technology. For more information, visit www.pamf.org.
A physician-directed health care provider, Camino Medical Group is headquartered in Sunnyvale, is dedicated to providing high quality health care to its nearly 200,000 Bay Area patients. Camino Medical Group has 14 sites with more than 200 primary care and specialist physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. It is a division of the not-for-profit Palo Alto Medical Foundation, which is a Sutter Health affiliate. Sutter Health is one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit networks of hospitals, doctors, nurses and other health care services. For more information, visit www.caminomedical.org.