News Releases

Memorial Hermann Katy Merges Advanced Technologies to Pinpoint Cancer
                                                      
HOUSTON, Dec. 21, 2005 – A new technology available at Memorial Hermann Katy combines the best of two established techniques for early diagnosis of cancer.

PET/CT scans merge metabolic detection with computerized imaging to precisely identify problem areas in the body. This noninvasive diagnostic scanner allows radiologists to see biochemical changes caused by cancer even before physical changes can be detected by other means.

PET, or positron emission tomography, provides the metabolic information. Prior to the test, the patient receives an injection of glucose tagged with a radioactive isotope. The amount of glucose consumed by cells reflects their metabolic activity. Positrons emitted by the isotopes give off gamma rays, which the computer converts into images.

“Cancerous tumors have higher metabolic rates than normal tissue and show up as brighter images,” said Branden Hsu, M.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices at Memorial Hermann Katy.

While the PET scan identifies abnormalities, the computed tomography (CT) scan simultaneously takes multiple images to create a map of the body. This helps pinpoint the location of cancerous tumors.

“Using these technologies together gives us more precise information and helps us determine the best course of treatment for patients,” said Dr. Hsu.

“PET/CT can be a valuable tool for accurately, efficiently and cost-effectively diagnosing and pinpointing specific cancers. It aids in planning radiation therapy, and it can be used to monitor a patient’s response to therapies,” said Steve Dinwiddie, director of imaging at Memorial Hermann Katy.

Extensively trained radiologists from Southwest Radiology read and interpret PET/CT images. They are certified by the American Board of Radiology and have been reading imaging studies at Memorial Hermann Katy since the hospital opened in 1981.

For more information about PET/CT scans, talk to your doctor or call Memorial Hermann Katy at 281-395-7459.

For more information, contact Media Relations.