DISCOVERY ST technology, now available at Windber Medical Center combines the fastest and most sophisticated CT technology with the most advanced PET technology – all in a single exam. Together, a PET/CT scan allows physicians to view metabolic activity and pinpoint where abnormal lesions are located so that they may target the disease.
The GE Discovery ST is a state-of-the-art combination of the metabolic information within the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans and the anatomical images produced by the Computed Tomagraphy (CT) scan to deliver the most efficient and accurate scanning tool available today.
The ‘ST’ in Discovery ST stands for “See and Treat”, which is what this new system allows physicians to do. Built from the ground up with Six Sigma methodology, the Discovery ST assists physicians to see the disease and plan radiation therapy treatment.
The GE Discovery ST PET/CT can help to answer critical questions for cancer patients such as: Where is the tumor? Is it spreading?
- How large is it?
- What is the optimal therapy?
- Is the therapy working?
- Is there a recurrence? And if so, where and to what extent?
- All of this in a single, non-invasive scan!
- Identify a cancerous malignancy earlier than other imaging technologies and pinpoint tumor location.
- Differentiate malignant and benign tumors and determine the presence, location, and extent of multiple lesions, recurrences, and metastases.
- Guide selection and delivery of cancer treatment, surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
- Demonstrate response to therapy.
Research has shown that by using PET imaging, doctors were able to more accurately classify a suspicious lesion as malignant or benign than with any other diagnostic tools. In addition, one out of three oncologists changed their disease management programs after evaluating a cancer on a Discovery ST scan.
Studies have shown an average of 98% accuracy in classifying tumors for PET/CT. This is much higher compared with the 70% average accuracy with CT alone, or the 90% average accuracy with PET alone.
The Discovery ST is the most powerful non-invasive cardiac imaging device ever. What does this mean for you, the patient?
- Catherization will no longer be necessary, completely eliminating all the risks associated with the process as well.
- Unnecessary angioplasty will be completely avoided since doctors will clearly be able to identify blockages and flow troubles, all non-invasively.
- Doctors will be able to view inside stents and clearly see everything going on within the heart.
Discovery ST is being used to help determine a diagnostic pattern to detect brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease earlier than ever before.
It is very easy to see the difference in the scans shown above. This pattern can be recognized several years before a doctor can confirm the diagnosis. From this scan, a doctor would be able to tell the differences between Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia or depression. This same technology to help doctors differentiate between Parkinson’s disease and other types of tremors.
- Reduce unnecessary tests and exploratory surgeries
- Boost diagnostic confidence
- Enhance the quality and comfort of patient care
- Eliminates inferences and guesswork
- Provide cost-effective healthcare delivery through early diagnosis of disease
For a patient, these are life and death differences. Unnecessary surgeries and procedures, incorrect or inaccurate treatment plans, non-invasive scan or fully invasive, high-risk tests are all options a person can face that will have life-threatening consequences. All of these can be eliminated with a single, painless, scan to answer all of you and your doctors questions.
There are even more benefits beyond the incredible accuracy and non-invasive nature of the machine.
Some patient benefits include:
The potential of diagnostic confidence for patients suspected to have cancer, and those who already have the disease.
Potential reduction of invasive procedures such as biopsies and unnecessary surgeries.
Reduction in exam time. For example, patient results can be obtained in less than one hour rather than in one day or more using previous, separate technologies.
Greater peace of mind for patients and their families, knowing that this technology provides comprehensive information. This technology also eliminates a “wait and see” approach, commonly used to monitor the patient during post-treatment, and sometimes even used during the actual therapy and treatment phase. Increased patient comfort due to the shorter exam time and, as a result, less time spent on the table.
- Is safe
- Can tell whether a tumor is benign or cancerous
- Shows all the organ systems of the body in a single exam, so it can indicate whether or not cancer has spread
- Diagnose disease often before it shows up on other tests
- Shows the progress of disease and how the body responds to treatment
Imaging
Windber Medical Center
600 Somerset Avenue,
Windber PA 15963
• Cynthia LeComte Principal Partner, Ancillary Services
Tel: (814) 467-3000 or E-mail: clecomt@conemaugh.org
• Paula Grieco, Tel: (814) 467-3438 or E-mail: pgrieco@conemaugh.org
