GE HealthCare has partnered with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to explore and advance the clinical and research applications of its cutting-edge total body PET/CT technology. This innovation features a 128 cm ultra-high sensitivity detector and is poised to enhance molecular imaging and cancer patient management. The collaboration underscores the commitment to pushing the boundaries of cancer diagnosis and treatment through advanced technology.
The rising global demand for whole-body PET/CT imaging stems from the increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer. This demand coincides with the growing availability of innovative immunotherapies and personalized medicine practices. Among these practices, theranostics is gaining momentum. By integrating advanced imaging modalities like PET/CT with targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, theranostics allows clinicians to detect diseases, deliver precise treatments, and monitor patient responses effectively.
In response to these evolving needs, GE HealthCare developed its total body PET/CT technology to extend the capabilities of traditional PET imaging. The system aims to enable the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic agents, support innovative clinical pathways, and enhance existing molecular imaging and theranostic applications. Additionally, it is designed to improve healthcare system efficiency by streamlining workflows and optimizing resource utilization.
Professor Michael Hofman, a nuclear medicine physician and head of the PET/CT program at Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, highlights the urgency of this initiative. “With global cancer cases expected to rise by 77% by 2050, we must invest in research and technology that provide deeper insights into disease management,” he states. “GE HealthCare’s new PET/CT technology offers exciting possibilities for developing radiotracers, gaining a better understanding of tumor biology, and enhancing cancer imaging. Unlike current systems, which require imaging the body in multiple steps, this next-generation technology is designed to capture head-to-thigh scans in a single step. Combined with deep learning capabilities, it holds the potential to transform patient outcomes through prevention, early detection, and advanced cancer monitoring.”
The advanced features of the total body PET/CT system include ultra-low dose scanning, rapid image acquisition, multi-organ dynamic imaging, and the ability to work with slow-decaying, low-activity tracers. These capabilities aim to address both clinical and operational demands, ensuring that the system benefits researchers, healthcare providers, and patients alike.
Jean-Luc Procaccini, President and CEO of Molecular Imaging and Computed Tomography at GE HealthCare, emphasizes the significance of collaboration. “Innovation thrives on partnership, and we are excited to work with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to unlock the potential of total body PET/CT technology. The center has already made groundbreaking contributions to cancer imaging and theranostics, and together, we aim to usher in a new era of discovery and improved patient care.”
The technology has been designed with scalability in mind, enabling radiology departments to upgrade and expand their capabilities over time. By incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, it also seeks to enhance workflow efficiency and clinical operations. This forward-looking approach ensures that healthcare facilities can adapt to evolving community needs while maintaining access to state-of-the-art technology.
Professor Hofman expresses enthusiasm for the partnership and its implications for global cancer research. “This collaboration with GE HealthCare represents an unprecedented opportunity to advance PET/CT imaging. With the support of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) and the National Imaging Facility, we are entering a new frontier full of exciting possibilities for cancer research and treatment.”
GE HealthCare remains at the forefront of oncology care innovation. Its integrated portfolio of molecular imaging solutions includes isotopes, informatics, imaging systems, and agents designed to support precision medicine. Through strategic collaborations and technological advancements, the company aims to connect clinicians across the oncology care continuum, empowering them to achieve better outcomes for patients worldwide.
For more information about GE HealthCare’s molecular imaging portfolio and its impact on cancer care, visit gehealthcare.com.
