Investing in Superior Care
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Radiology services are the first line of defense against a number of diseases and health risks. University Radiology Associates, LLP, recently invested in a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanner. The acquisition of the latest diagnostic imaging technology allows the facility to deliver more focused and efficient care for a broad range of patients.
Photo: University Radiology Associates interventional radiologists (L–R): Dianbo Zhang, M.D.; Chadi Zeinati, M.D.; Amar Swarnkar, M.D.; and Mitchell Karmel, M.D. Photos courtesy of Radiology Associates, LLP
Superior diagnostic imaging services can result in improved patient care. When physicians have access to the highest-quality images quickly, diagnosis and clinical care commence faster and can be more effective. As a partner with State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, University Radiology Associates remains committed to offering advanced radiology services for patients across Central New York.
Recently, University Radiology Associates acquired an advanced GE Discovery 690 PET/CT scanner capable of offering the combined services of each imaging modality. Using radioactive glucose and fluorine, physicians at University Radiology Associates employ the new GE scanner to improve tumor and cancerous lesion detection. Combining the molecular imaging capabilities of a PET scanner with the anatomical image quality of a 64-slice CT scanner, the GE machine offers the best of both worlds for patients and physicians.
Understanding the Technology
PET scanning technology indicates the glucose metabolism of suspected tumors. Cancerous tumors are characterized by a high level of metabolic activity, and radiologists at University Radiology Associates can identify these areas with greater specificity using this new technology. CT scans show vital anatomical data regarding tumors but provide little insight into tumor activity. Working together, these modalities provide a comprehensive picture of a tumor or lesion in real time. From a diagnostic standpoint, the GE PET/CT scanner provides physicians all means necessary to identify suspected malignant tumors early, which can lead to earlier intervention and more positive patient outcomes.
“The remarkable ability of the GE scanner to show the most current view of a tumor’s size and function has tremendous implications in terms of cancer care,” says David Feiglin, M.D., FACR, professor and Chairman of Radiology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. “In addition to helping physicians locate tumors and lesions, the scanner also provides us with real-time feedback regarding the success of cancer treatment.”
Based on the nuclear medicine principles of PET scanning techniques, the GE scanner can effectively relay the amount of glucose metabolized by a tumor. Using this clinical data, physicians can assess the success of a treatment plan in real time. In terms of chemotherapy treatment, PET scanning enables physicians to determine the effectiveness of care more quickly, allowing for more efficient adjustment in treatment and more successful care.
“The ability to quantify a tumor’s activity has a tremendous bearing on the application of therapeutic options,” explains Andrzej Krol, Ph.D., DABR, associate professor of radiology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. “Unlike other radiology methods, PET scanning can reveal the effects of treatment on a tumor in a short period of time. With this knowledge, it becomes easier to identify unsuccessful treatment plans, and care becomes much more efficient as a result.”
Beyond cancer detection and treatment, the GE scanner has also shown potential to assist patients suffering from neurological and cardiac diseases. When diagnosing and treating these diseases, the ability to visualize bodily functions can be paramount, and the GE machine can provide this valuable insight. As the clinical implications of the GE PET/CT scanner are further explored, a broader range of patients could benefit from the focused services offered by University Radiology Associates.
A Lasting Commitment
The GE PET/CT scanner is the first of its kind in the state outside of New York City. Making this technology available to surrounding communities is one of the primary reasons University Radiology Associates prioritized the acquisition of the machine. Working alongside physicians in the area, radiologists with University Radiology Associates continually identify ways to enhance services to better suit local needs. As evidenced by the tremendous investment in technology, providing superior services remains a priority for the practice.
“In the field of modern health care, advanced imaging services give patients and physicians an advantage over serious health risks,” adds Dr. Krol. “When our facility can make leading-edge modalities available to this community, we have played a key role in promoting the overall health of our area. With this in mind, University Radiology Associates never ceases to look for new, improved options for patient care.”
For more information about services available through University Radiology Associates, visit www.ura.com.
University Radiology Associates, LLP
Photos Courtesy of Radiology Associates, LLP
MD News September/October 2011, Central New York