PET / CT          Molecular Imaging Technologies

PET/CT combines the fastest and most sophisticated Computed Tomography (CT) technology with the most advanced Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technology - all in a single exam.

The PET creates images of high metabolic activity in the body, while the CT scan creates images of the internal structures within the human body. Together, the PET/CT scan allows physicians to view metabolic activity in two and three dimensional images in diagnosing and treating cancer. PET/CT provides physicians with accurate location of lesions, identification of benign versus malignant lesions, and differentiation from scar tissue. It also provides valuable information to help physicians stage cancer, aid in surgical and radiation treatment planning, and monitor the response to treatment.

To understand the concept of PET/CT better, think about a satellite weather map seen on a news station. The map reveals weather patterns gathered by satellites that show storm intensities and locations. A geographic map of the United States shows an accurate depiction of location and proximity. With one image integrated with the other, people can see what areas are being affected by adverse weather so they can respond quickly. In the same sense, by co-registering a PET and CT image physicians can more accurately diagnose and treat disease at an earlier stage. This concept is illustrated below:



A PET scan reveals areas of abnormal activity but the exact location is unknown. A satellite weather image shows areas of intense weather activity but doesn't illustrate a geographic context to fully understand the image.


The CT image precisely displays the body's anatomy but does not reveal the body's functional chemistry. The map of the United States shows the outlines of the states but doesn't show weather activity.


A geographic map (structural) combined with a satellite image of weather patterns (functional) shows exactly where severe weather is headed so people can prepare accordingly. By blending the functional and structural body images into a PET/CT image, physicians now can see problem areas and know precisely where this activity is taking place to help them make appropriate treatment decisions.

There are tremendous benefits of having a combined PET/CT scan:

Earlier diagnosis
Accurate staging and localization
Precise treatment and monitoring

A PET/CT image also provides early detection of the recurrence of cancer, revealing tumors that might otherwise be obscured by scar tissue that results from surgery and radiation therapy, particularly in the head and neck.

The combination PET/CT provides physicians a more complete picture of what is occurring in the body, both anatomically and metabolically, at the same time. The probes and biomarkers that NuView is developing work with the hybrid PET/CT scanners to enhance the diagnostic performance for specific cancers, heart disease and neurological disorders.

With the high-tech images that the PET/CT scanner provides, patients are given, a better chance for improved outcomes and avoiding unnecessary procedures.