Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/45928
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SPECIAL SECTION: CANCER + + PET/MR: It's New and It's Here By Pablo R. Ros, MD, MPH, PhD H YBRID WHOLE BODY PET/MR imaging is here. And with it comes a new world of possibilities for detecting and monitoring oncological, neurological and cardiovascular disease. PET/MR is in a new class of diagnostic imaging. It provides the physiologic information of PET along with the anatomic detail of MRI in a single exam to generate enhanced digital images faster and with less radiation dose than PET/CT. In fact, the dose can be reduced by up to 60% — just by using the MR in place of the CT for attenuation correction and diagnostic needs. Philips was the fi rst in the world to unveil a commercial whole-body hybrid PET-MR system — the Ingenuity TF PET/ MR system. It includes a PET scanner with time-of-flight technology and a 3.0T MRI scanner set approximately 10 feet apart with a rotating table to facilitate scanning by each for a whole-body footprint. Gantries were modifi ed and redesigned to avoid system interference, introduce magnetic shielding, and reduce RF noise to support state of the art imaging on both PET and MRI. The PET/MR system targets a composite picture for advanced diagnostics and treatment planning. With a common user interface for PET and MR, the system offers superb images with increased resolution and enhanced tissue differentiation for specifi c body areas. The applications are numerous. With PET/MR a comprehen- sive cardiology exam, characterizing perfusion and possible infection, can be performed. For patients with neurologic disorders, PET/MR aids identifi cation of neurotransmitters and markers to advance the treatment of stroke, dementia, and degenerative disease. It's also useful for patients with epilepsy. For cancer patients, PET/MR can be used for + Thyroid, soft pallet, and base of neck pathology — post surgery + Co-registration of lesions and adjacent small vessels + Tumor kinetics and profi les by combining MRI and PET for tumor biology + Tumor characterization in ovarian, uterine, and prostate oncology + Better differentiation of fi brosis in colon and rectal cancer + Evaluation of stomach cancer + Monitoring the progress of brain tumors Al l in al l, PET/MR is extraordinary technology that enhances patient care. Essentially, you can obtain more diagnostic data with less radiation dosage. Dr. Pablo Ros is chairman, Department of Radiolog y, University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Theodore J. Castele University Professor, Case Western Reserve University. PET/MR is available at UH Seidman Cancer Center, where the fi rst PET/MR in the nation was installed for clinical use. n PET/MR & MR only comparison. The PET/MR clearly identifi es a lesion outside of the prostate vs. undetected on MR only. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2011 MDNEWS.COM MD NEWS Cleveland-Akron-Canton | 37 IMAGES COURTESY OF PHILIPS HEALTHCARE / HUG-HOSPITAL UNIVERSITY OF GENEVA