Diagnostics Tools Available
The team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers uses advanced scanning technology to detect cancers, as well as learn more about the cancer that’s detected, including its size, stage and exact location or locations. This is a critical part of determining the correct treatment plan for each patient, based on their individual needs, while also tracking the progress of treatment.
Should your primary physician believe there is the potential for a cancer diagnosis, Comprehensive Cancer Centers’ treatment centers are equipped with imaging services, that make access to tests and scans convenient for patients (depending on the insurance plan), while ensuring your care team has timely access to the results.
An important part of the cancer clinic’s efforts in using technology to improve cancer detection and treatment comes from monitoring research related to those machines and techniques.
A study of interest in diagnostics recently appeared in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine which documented how a team at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) analyzed the uptake of Ga-68-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (Ga-68 FAPI-46) in tumors after patients underwent PET scans. The group found uptake related strongly to levels of the protein found in subsequent biopsy lab tests.
The finding sets the foundation for future evaluation of Fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-labeled therapeutic isotopes in clinical trials. Comprehensive will be monitoring these trials closely to see what changes may result in PET Scan diagnoses. Currently, the practice employs PET Scan technology in the following ways:
- PET Scan – Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a sophisticated camera that takes pictures of your body’s cells, producing powerful images unobtainable by other imaging techniques.
- PET/CT Scan – This scan combines two powerful imaging techniques into one of the most advanced medical imaging tools available. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) shows a body’s metabolic activity, while Computed Tomography (CT) shows anatomy. When fused together, the information from these scans can be used with a high degree of confidence to detect, localize, and assess the stage of a variety of cancers.
- Axumin PET Scans – These scans are offered at Comprehensive Cancer Centers to achieve early detection of recurrent prostate cancer after surgery or radiation.
Comprehensive also uses the following diagnostic imaging services for patients of the oncology practice:
- CT Scan – Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging tool that uses special x-ray equipment to reveal the body’s detailed anatomic structure with great clarity. It is commonly used in detecting, diagnosing and staging cancer.
- Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening – Also known as LDCT, this technique is a proven, successful strategy for fighting many forms of cancer through early diagnosis. Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada offers screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) for people at high risk for lung cancer, the only recommended screening test for the disease. LDCT is used to find nodules in the lungs and takes many pictures of the inside of your body from different angles using x-rays. The amount of radiation used is much lower than standard doses of a CT scan and contrast dye should not be used. Designated ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center at all four locations: Northwest, Central Valley, Southwest and Henderson.
- NETSPOT – A radioactive probe that helps track down and pinpoint NETs. This happens via the positron emission of a gallium 68 dotatate injection, an active agent for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
- Nuclear Medicine – These scans can help doctors find tumors and monitor, diagnose and treat medical conditions within the body. These tests are painless and done as an outpatient procedure. The primary scans are as follows: Bone Scan, Renal Scan, Liver/Spleen Scan, MUGA Scan, Hida Scan and Lung V/Q Scan.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Depending on your diagnosis, or treatment plan, the team at Comprehensive will use the right technology as part of a variety of treatment options for patients with cancer, blood disorders, breast health conditions, pulmonary disease and sleep disorders. Comprehensive also provides patients with other services including cancer genetic counseling and world-class clinical research. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
