GE Healthcare and Peter Mac join forces to redefine theranostics cancer care with advanced PET/CT technology

The rising prevalence of cancer is driving a push for innovative whole-body PET/CT imaging technologies to transform molecular imaging and cancer management. GE HealthCare has partnered with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to advance the clinical and research potential of its next-generation total-body PET/CT technology Omni Legend 32 which features a 128 cm, ultra-high sensitivity detector.

“With global cancer cases expected to increase by 77% by 2050, we must invest in research and technology that enables us to gain greater perspective on the management of the disease,” said Professor Michael Hofman, nuclear medicine physician and head of the PET/CT program at Melbourne’s Peter Mac.

As cancer rates climb, the demand for personalised therapies, such as new immunotherapies and theranostics, is growing. Theranostics combines imaging technologies like PET/CT with targeted diagnostics and therapies to precisely identify, treat, and monitor patients’ responses to cancer treatments.

“That’s why we are excited to work with GE HealthCare’s new PET/CT technology [Omni Legend 32],” added Professor Hofman. “It is designed to help support our ongoing investigation and development of new radiotracers for cancer imaging and a better understanding of tumour biology.”

Professor Hofman highlighted the potential of the advanced system, noting its ability to image from head to thighs in a single step, compared to the five-to-six steps required by current devices.

“Combined with deep learning-based capabilities, this technology has the potential to be a major advancement for patients that will support prevention, early detection, and better scanning of advanced cancers,” he explained.

GE HealthCare’s Omni Legend 32 is designed to enable ultra-low dose scans, faster imaging, dynamic multi-organ imaging, and effective use of slow-decaying, low-activity tracers. This dual focus on advanced imaging and operational efficiency aims to improve healthcare systems by streamlining workflows and enhancing routine clinical practices.

“Innovation requires close collaboration, and we are thrilled to do that with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre on our total-body PET/CT technology,” said Jean-Luc Procaccini, President and CEO of Molecular Imaging and Computed Tomography at GE HealthCare.

“Already, the institution’s research has revolutionised cancer imaging and pioneered theranostics. Now, we aim to usher in a new era of scientific discovery and research together with a total-body PET/CT technology for the future, unlocking its potential to help clinicians further improve patient outcomes.”

Omni Legend is designed as a scalable solution, enabling radiology departments and healthcare facilities to adapt hardware upgrades and expand services in response to growing demand. By integrating artificial intelligence, the system also aims to enhance clinical and operational efficiency.

Professor Hofman further added, “We are excited to collaborate with GE HealthCare and kick off this unprecedented opportunity for cancer research in Australia and around the world. Together – and with the support of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) and National Imaging Facility – we’re embarking on a new frontier of PET/CT imaging, one that’s full of exciting new possibilities.”

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