SPECT/CT - technology opens the way for cancer treatment

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - The development of modern medicine depends not only on advanced treatment regimens but also on the ability to make accurate diagnoses right from the early stages. At Thanh Hoa Provincial Oncology Hospital, whole-body bone scintigraphy using the SPECT/CT system has opened up a new direction in the early detection of bone metastases, an important factor determining the effectiveness of treatment and prognosis for cancer patients.

The medical team of Thanh Hoa Provincial Oncology Hospital shares the implementation process of SPECT/CT technique - a new step forward in early diagnosis of bone metastasis.

Innovation from applied scientific research

Approved and implemented from June 2023 to November 2024, the project "Research on the application of whole-body bone scintigraphy using the SPECT/CT system to diagnose early metastasis in cancer patients at Thanh Hoa Provincial Oncology Hospital" chaired by Master, Doctor, and Senior Physician Tran Van Thiet, Director of the Hospital, with the participation of a team of highly qualified doctors and physicians, has been officially completed and recognized by the Provincial Evaluation and Acceptance Council.

The objective of the project is to successfully apply SPECT/CT technique to diagnose early bone metastasis and evaluate the relationship between scintigraphy results and clinical and paraclinical characteristics of 256 cancer patients. With a total budget of more than 2.1 billion VND, of which more than 1.2 billion VND is from self-funded capital and more than 924 million VND is from the scientific budget, the project is carried out methodically, scientifically and practically.

During the implementation period, the hospital organized training for 2 technical teams, successfully applied the SPECT/CT diagnostic process and developed a technical process manual. At the same time, the project also analyzed and evaluated bone scintigraphy images of hundreds of patients, thereby providing professional recommendations in treatment planning.

It is known that there are currently many methods to diagnose bone metastasis such as X-ray, CT, MRI or PET/CT. However, each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. In particular, whole body bone scintigraphy using SPECT/CT is considered a solution that balances many factors such as: whole body survey, high sensitivity, accurately identifying lesions even when the morphology has not changed.

SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) technique creates 3D, cross-sectional, sagittal and lateral images combined with anatomical images from CT, helping to clearly locate the location of lesions in the bone structure. In particular, with the function of quantifying the standard uptake value (SUV), SPECT/CT also provides information on cell metabolism - something that X-ray or CT alone cannot do. This is the outstanding point that makes SPECT/CT a popular technology in modern nuclear medicine.

Results from practice

Previously, whenever there were signs of suspected bone metastasis, many cancer patients in the province were forced to transfer to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for PET/CT scans or specialized tests. Not only was it costly in terms of travel and accommodation, many patients, especially the poor and the elderly, had to bear additional psychological burdens, even abandoning treatment due to exhaustion and financial exhaustion.

Thanks to the application of SPECT/CT technology at Thanh Hoa Provincial Oncology Hospital, that burden is gradually being removed. Patients no longer have to wait, do not have to transfer to a distant facility, but still have access to high-tech, accurate, safe and fast services. In particular, the implementation of this technique using local resources helps to significantly reduce costs compared to other methods such as PET/CT, more suitable for the economic conditions of the majority of patients.

Mr. Tran Van T., 62 years old, a prostate cancer patient, shared: “When the doctor suspected that I had signs of bone metastasis, I was very worried about having to go to Hanoi. But now I can have the scan right at the Oncology Hospital, and the results will be available in just a few hours. It is both less expensive and reassuring because the doctor gives very clear advice.”

From the practical effectiveness, the topic does not only stop at scientific value but also has profound human value, when bringing life opportunities, hope and peace of mind to hundreds of cancer patients in the province and neighboring areas. This is also a clear demonstration of the spirit of innovation and creativity in medicine, where science and technology are gradually becoming the "golden key" to open the door to healing.

At the summary and quality assessment of the provincial-level task carried out by the Oncology Hospital at the end of 2024, the members of the project evaluation council highly appreciated the application value of the research, especially its novelty, feasibility and important contributions to the field of cancer diagnosis. Dr. Le Van Cuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Health, Chairman of the Acceptance Council, emphasized: “This is a project of high practical value, reflecting the dedication and capacity of the research team. The application of this technique has created a significant step forward in the province's oncology field.”

Not only contributing to improving the quality of treatment, the project also provides guidance for other medical facilities in the region in accessing and mastering high technology. The results have opened up opportunities to build standardized procedures for early diagnosis of metastasis, while reducing referral pressure and saving costs for patients.

Not only stopping at diagnosing bone metastases, the SPECT/CT system is also expected to expand its application to many other specialties such as cardiovascular, neurological, renal, hepatobiliary, pulmonary... In provincial hospitals, this is a device of special value in diagnosing internal organ function, monitoring after organ transplantation or before treating complex diseases.

According to Master, Doctor, Doctor Tran Van Thiet, Director of Thanh Hoa Provincial Oncology Hospital: "The project was completed on schedule, ensuring professional requirements and scientific quality. More importantly, SPECT/CT technology is now within reach of the province's medical team, ready to serve patients effectively and economically."

Based on that success, Thanh Hoa Provincial Oncology Hospital is gradually standardizing technical processes, aiming to share data, supporting medical units inside and outside the province to deploy similar techniques. This is the right direction to spread scientific and technological achievements into medical examination and treatment practices in a sustainable and long-term manner.

When science is guided by the goal of serving humanity, every achievement becomes a step forward with humanistic significance. The success of the research project on applying SPECT/CT technology in early diagnosis of bone metastasis in Thanh Hoa is not only the mark of a specialized hospital, but also a clear demonstration of a focused, practical and community-oriented approach to science.

Article and photos: Tran Hang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/spect-ct-cong-nghe-nbsp-mo-loi-dieu-tri-ung-thu-252911.htm