Cutting-edge technology to bridge gap between cancer diagnosis and research

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Northern Sydney Local Health District has ushered in a new era of medical imaging and research with the inauguration of an ultra-advanced total body PET scanner. The cutting-edge Siemens Quadra total-body PET/CT scanner, the second in Australia and one of only fifteen globally, has taken centre stage at the hospital, bidding farewell to its predecessor CT/PET scanner that diligently served the community for thirteen years.

With a history dating back to its grand opening in March 2010, the outgoing machinery, inaugurated by the former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, conducted close to 50,000 scans during its tenure, predominantly catering to cancer patients. However, the torch has been passed to a marvel of technology that promises to redefine medical imaging as we know it.

The new Siemens Quadra total-body PET/CT scanner, a collaborative effort between Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) and the University of Sydney, stands poised to enhance patient care and propel Australia to the forefront of PET/CT research. Backed by a substantial $15 million national initiative, this project has the potential to reshape the landscape of medical diagnostics and therapeutic exploration.

Dr Paul Roach, Director of Nuclear Medicine at RNSH, has hailed the new scanner as a game-changer on multiple fronts. Not only will it dramatically reduce radiation exposure, with doses anticipated to be halved compared to current standards, but it will also operate at an accelerated pace, providing quicker and more accurate results.

“By harnessing the power of this advanced technology, we are embarking on a new era of medical imaging that promises safer and swifter diagnoses,” remarked Dr Roach.

In a bold departure from tradition, this innovative PET/CT scanner will serve a dual purpose, seamlessly bridging the gap between clinical research and patient care. Beyond its critical role in diagnosing cancer, the scanner will be used in conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and perplexing infections, marking a pioneering step forward in the realm of diagnostic versatility.

“The new scanner is akin to capturing the entire essence of the body in a single frame, streamlining the diagnostic process while preserving patient safety. At least half the time the scanner will be used for our (hospital) patients and the other time it will be used by the university for clinical research,” enthused Dr Roach.

Supported by a robust partnership between the University of Sydney, the Federal Government’s National Imaging Facility, and Northern Sydney Local Health District, the acquisition of the Siemens Quadra is a testament to collaborative efforts driving medical innovation.

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