Biograph™ 6 TruePoint™ positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET•CT) systems are taking their benefits for radiation oncology management on the the road. The introduction of these enhanced mobile PET•CT systems not only mean superior detection, improved staging and accuracy, and shorter scan time, but also offer a great flexibility. Oncology patients normally have to be scanned several times during the course of treatment and the mobile technology provides patients with care and convenience.

Workflow improvements are also apparent, as the mobile systems facilitate remote operation and support multiple site connectivity. Furthermore, the new redesigned mobile PET•CT scanners allow over 50 percent faster set-up times, an advanced media viewer and front-mounted gating inputs all add up to improved ergonomics and ease of use. Biograph Systems are designed with incorporated hardware improvements such as a shorter gantry to achieve more scan room space, a special cantilevered patient handling system, a completely integrated closed loop cooling system.

The Florida Radiation Oncology Group (FROG), a vital provider of cancer care in Northern Florida, was the first customer in the US to receive the Biograph systems for mobile usage from Siemens. With 14 facilities, the mobile PET•CT solutions simplify follow-up for many patients who before could have traveled up to 60 miles for necessary follow-up imaging. Shyman Paryani, MD, MS, MHA, Director of FROG, (far left on left picture) reports, “PET•CT imaging has become critical in radiation oncology patient management. Patients benefit from having these mobile scanners in their communities.”

In the United Kingdom, InHealth Molecular Imaging Solutions, a leading provider of diagnostic and imaging services has also purchased four Biograph 6 TruePoint systems. This is part of a commitment to the British Government’s Department of Health PET/CT NHS Diagnostic Imaging Service roll-out. Before the new imaging intuitive, some patients needed to travel 50-100 miles for the services. Stewart Howell, Chief Operating Officer of Molecular Imaging at InHealth adds, “Delivering PET•CT closer to the community reduces anxiety and lengthy travel requirements for patients undergoing cancer detection.”