Cancer is leading cause of deaths around the world and various diagnostic procedures and treatments come over the time for treatment purposes.
Cancer is leading cause of deaths around the world and various diagnostic procedures and treatments come over the time for treatment purposes. There are various types of tests and treatments used for cancer and all these treatments have some limitations or other. Some cancers can be treated fully while others need constant treatment and monitoring. PET CT is currently one of the most advanced diagnostic techniques used to detect cancer. PET CT or Positron Emission Tomography has the advantage of detecting cancer at early stage due to radioactive tracer. Apart from detection, this test is also very useful in monitoring treatment of cancer. In this blog, we will discuss various treatments and the role of PET CT scan in monitoring the treatments. With new advanced technology and introduction of AI, PET CT scan has become most effect tool during the cancer treatment.
Here is the list of ways: PET CT is helpful in Cancer Treatment:
1. PET CT is used to plan Surgery
- Identifies the exact location and extent of tumors.
- PET CT is helpful deciding to go for surgery or not.
- This is very helpful in preventing unnecessary surgeries.
- PET CT helps to detect the area to be removed in case of tumors with precision.
2. PET CT in Chemotherapy
- PET CT is helpful to detect response of cells towards chemotherapy.
- Help to design the dose for cancer cells.
- Helps to detect whether a particular drug used is effective or not.
- Assists in modifying or changing the treatment plan in real time.
3. PET CT in Radiotherapy
- Maps out the tumor and surrounding tissues accurately.
- Helps design targeted radiation fields, sparing healthy tissues.
- Monitors treatment progress during radiation cycles.
- Detects recurrence early after radiation therapy.
4. PET CT in Immunotherapy
- PET CT helps to detect the changes that occur due to immunotherapy.
- PET CT recognizes the true disease progression and pseudo- progression of diseases.
- It helps to monitor immunotherapy and its impact.
- Helps to detect, when to stop the therapy.
- Ensures timely continuation or modification of immunotherapy drugs.
5. PET CT in Hormone Therapy
- Hormone therapy is used in breast cancers and prostate, which are very sensitive cancers.
- This is very helpful to detect the efficiency of treatment over the time.
- PET CT is effective in detecting metastasis, which can be skipped in regular scans.
- Helps to detect the effect of hormone therapy.
- Helps to detect when to stop the hormone therapy.
- Effective in helping to change the dose for the condition.
6. PET CT in Targeted Therapy
- Confirms whether targeted drugs are effectively blocking tumor growth.
- Highlights resistant tumors or areas with limited response.
- Guides combination treatment strategies.
- Plays a role in personalized medicine by assessing individual tumor behavior.
7. PET CT in Recurrence Detection
- PET CT is helpful in keeping monitoring of condition of treatment and detect recurrence in early stage.
- Very effective to differentiate between scar tissue and active tissue.
- PET CT helps doctors to change the treatment as per need and condition of cancer.
8. PET CT in Monitoring Long-term Survivors
- PET CT scan is advised after treatment at regular intervals to monitor any recurrence.
- Helps in long term survival by constant monitoring.
- Helps in detecting early cancer or spread to other parts.
- Helps is timely assessment of overall health of person.
Benefits of PET CT in Cancer Treatments
- Early detection of tumor activity.
- Accurate staging and treatment planning.
- PET CT has the advantage of giving real time situation of cancer.
- Helps to detect effectiveness of therapy.
- Can help to avoid unnecessary treatments and surgeries.
- Help in timely treatment with customized dose.
Different Types of PET CT Scans
- DOTA PET CT scan (Book Now)
- PSMA PET CT scan (Book Now)
- Brain PET CT scan (Book Now)
- F-18 Choline PET Scan (Book Now)
- Cardiac PET CT scan (Book Now)
- FDG-PET scan (Book Now)
Click Here for the list of all Types of PET CT scan
Conclusion
PET CT scans or Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography is the effective and advanced diagnostic procedure which is very helpful in treatment of condition. PET CT not only detects the cancer but is very effective in monitoring different types of treatments used for cancer. This helps to customized treatment, which will be more effective and monitor the condition whether to change of go with same treatment. PET CT or Positron Emission Tomography has the advantage of detecting cancer at early stage due to radioactive tracer. Apart from detection, this test is also very useful in monitoring treatment of cancer. In this blog, we will discuss various treatments and the role of PET CT scan in monitoring the treatments.
FAQs on PET CT in Cancer Treatment
What makes PET CT different from regular CT or MRI in cancer treatment?
PET CT shows both tumor activity and structure, giving more complete information.
Can PET CT detect cancer at an early stage?
Yes, it can identify abnormal metabolic activity before structural changes appear.
Is PET CT useful during chemotherapy?
Yes, it helps assess tumor response and guides treatment adjustments.
Can PET CT monitor immunotherapy progress?
Yes, it distinguishes between true progression and immune-related changes.
Is PET CT recommended for hormone-sensitive cancers?
Yes, it is very effective in monitoring cancers like breast and prostate.
Does PET CT help in detecting recurrence?
Yes, it detects recurrence earlier than many conventional imaging techniques.
