Clinical experience with the first combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography scanner in Australia

Abstract

• Metabolic imaging with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is increasing rapidly worldwide because of superior accuracy compared with conventional non-invasive techniques used for evaluating cancer. • Limited anatomical information from FDG-PET images alone dictates that complementary use with structural imaging is required to optimise benefit. • Recently, combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanners have overtaken standalone PET scanners as the most commonly purchased PET devices. • We describe our experience of over 5500 scans performed since the first PET/CTscanner in Australia was commissioned at the Peter MacCallum Cance..