Sandor Demeter, a former member of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, highlights the significance of nuclear medicine in diagnosing various medical conditions. Unlike other imaging techniques that focus on the anatomy, nuclear medicine, particularly through positron emission tomography (PET), assesses the physiological function of organs. PET scans are crucial in lung cancer management, changing treatment approaches 40% of the time. Currently, Manitoba operates two PET scanners, serving 15 to 30 patients daily. In addition to diagnostics, nuclear medicine is advancing in therapeutic applications, notably in treating thyroid issues and new therapies for prostate cancer through a method called theranostics, which combines diagnostics and treatment. With only seven certified nuclear medicine physicians in Manitoba, there is a growing trend for physicians to train in both nuclear medicine and radiology for enhanced patient care.
Wed, 05 Mar 2025 01:02:41 GMT | The Manitoban