Breakthrough in Cancer Surgery: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Performs Nation's First Procedure Using Intraoperative PET and CT Technology

Surgeons at Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery have successfully performed the country's first procedure using the latest generation of intraoperative PET (positron emission tomography) and CT (computed tomography) technology. This innovative approach aims to improve surgical outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. The study, which will involve up to 50 patients, seeks to demonstrate the long-term viability of the procedure, which utilizes a device developed by Belgium-based surgical technology company Xeos.

Key Takeaways:

• The procedure uses the Aura 10 scanner, which provides surgeons with an immediate, real-time view of the specimen to assess the success of the resection in achieving a negative margin.
• The scanner combines functional information from PET with structural details from CT scans, aiding in accurate staging, therapy response assessment, and early detection of recurrent disease.
• The "gold standard" for cancer resection surgeries involves sending the specimen to the pathology lab for initial review, which may not provide critical information about the surgery's success for several days.
• With the help of the intraoperative imaging device, critical information about the surgery's success in achieving a negative margin can be available in a matter of minutes.
• The procedure is part of a study that seeks to demonstrate the long-term viability of the procedure and will involve up to 50 patients.
• Michael Topf, MD, associate professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, performed the initial surgery and is actively investigating the feasibility of using this approach in the operating room.
• Nicole Jones, research coordinator IV, emphasized the potential impact of this innovation on real-time care, allowing surgeons to have increased confidence in their ability to remove cancer.

Statistics:

• Up to 50 patients may undergo surgery with the support of the Aura 10 scanner as part of the study.
• The scanner provides surgeons with an immediate, real-time view of the specimen, allowing them to assess the success of the resection in achieving a negative margin.
• The procedure combines the functional information gained through PET with the structural details gained by a CT scan.

Sources:

• VerticalNews Health & Science
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Xeos (Belgium-based surgical technology company)
• NewsRx LLC