The Institute of Cancerology and Imaging of Brest (Finistère) recently inaugurated a major technological advance in the field of medical imaging: the Biograph Vision Quadra wide-field PET. This equipment, unique in France, allows faster and more efficient treatment of cancer patients. According to Professor Pierre-Yves Salaün, head of the molecular imaging and radiotheranostics department at Brest University Hospital, this technology represents a real revolution in cancer screening and treatment.
Technology at the cutting edge of innovation
The wide-field Biograph Vision Quadra PET, developed by Siemens Healthineers, provides complete visualization of the body in a single moment. With this device, image acquisition time is significantly reduced, which not only improves patient comfort, but also allows staff to treat a greater number of patients each day. The examination time is now five minutes compared to three quarters of an hour twenty years ago.
In addition to reducing the duration of examinations, this machine reduces the quantity of radioactive product injected into patients, thus improving their comfort and reducing the potential risks linked to exposure to radiation. This gain in time and efficiency could even open the way to early and more accessible screening for populations at risk.
Huge potential for cancer screening
One of the great promises of this technology is its potential for global cancer screening. Currently, screening is targeted to certain organs and specific populations, which limits its effectiveness on a global scale. With the Biograph Vision Quadra PET, it would be possible to carry out a complete examination of the body, thus making it possible to detect non-targeted cancers early, in populations with risk factors, such as alcohol, tobacco or obesity.
A screening campaign for people aged 50 to 60 will be carried out from 2025. This campaign, carried out in partnership with Siemens, will also have an economic component. If 3 to 10% of patients tested have cancer, the savings made through faster and more efficient treatment would be considerable.
Benefits for caregivers and patients
The benefit for caregivers is also significant. This new device makes it possible to detect very fine anomalies without resorting to invasive biopsies. It also offers dynamic acquisitions that provide previously inaccessible information. This improves the ability to make accurate diagnoses and adjust treatments in a more targeted and less invasive manner.
In addition, patient comfort is greatly improved. Not only do they spend less time under the machines, but they also receive a reduced dose of radiopharmaceuticals, making the experience less restrictive and safer.
Although the technology is in place, increasing patient capacity remains limited by human resources. Currently, the Cancerology and Imaging Institute can accommodate up to 70 patients per day. However, the service faces a lack of qualified personnel, particularly radiographers and radiopharmacists.
With this cutting-edge technology, Brest is positioning itself at the forefront of cancer screening and treatment in France. The Biograph Vision Quadra wide-field PET is a major advance that promises to improve patient care and open up new perspectives in global screening.
Photo credit: DR
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