Diagnosis of colorectal cancer may be aided by a whole body scan

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Whole body PET and CT scans can help diagnose the stage of colorectal cancer, according to a new study.
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death. Early diagnosis is important, of course, but so too is knowing the stage of the cancer. Determining the stage involves several different kinds of imaging. Researchers at University Hospital, Essen, Germany, have been assessing the role of whole body positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) colonography in a group of 47 patients with colorectal cancer. This is a 'one step' approach.

The findings in the whole body approach have been compared with those from more conventional methods. Staging was correctly predicted in whole body scanning in 74 per cent of cases and by CT alone in only 52 per cent of cases. Using CT and PET, staging information was only available for 32 per cent of cases. The whole body approach changed the therapy given in four of the patients. The researchers conclude that the one step whole body approach seems to offer some advantage - not only is it more accurate, but it gives results more quickly than the more conventional approach, which is better for the patient and their physicians.

Source
Journal of the American Medical Association 6th December 2006 Volume 296 pages 2590-2600

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