GE Healthcare has launched
an advanced Positron Emission Tomography- Computed Tomography (PET- CT)
molecular imaging system named Discovery IQ, developed with an investment of
Rs.90 crore. Discovery IQ is the outcome of 3 years of close collaborative
development between Indian nuclear medicine physicians and oncologists.
The equipment comes with
advanced early disease detection capabilities and measurements to understand
patient’s response to cancer treatment.
“Three years back, we promised to develop an
advanced yet affordable PET-CT to improve access to early cancer detection. We
have realized the commitment to provide an advanced PET- CT that is 40 per cent
more affordable and can usher in personalized treatment for the patient. We are
extremely thankful to the Indian healthcare providers for their close
collaboration and insights into their needs that has helped develop this
important weapon against cancer,” said Terri Bresenham, president and CEO, GE
Healthcare South Asia.
“Molecular imaging is the epitome of
healthcare imaging technologies. GE is very pleased to demonstrate to the world
India’s capabilities in developing the most sophisticated medical
technologies,” she added.
An advanced imaging centre
requires a PET-CT to scan the human body and a cyclotron to produce bio-markers
that can light up cancer cells. However, setting up of a molecular imaging
centre is expensive and calls for Rs.30 crore investment which has prevented
setting up of such early detection technology in India. With the support of
several Indian entrepreneurs, GE has built a robust network of cyclotrons to
minimise the investment required to set up a molecular imaging centre.
Approximately 70 per cent
of cancer patients do not respond to their initial chemotherapy treatment. Now
a PET-CT can help physicians determine if the treatment is beneficial with one
or two chemotherapy cycles and reduces overall cost to the patient.
R Sureshkumar, general
manager, PET-CT Product Development, GE Healthcare, says: "If clinicians
are given accurate and reliable solutions to determine whether the treatment is
working or not, they will be able to tailor a regimen of therapies according to
individual patient response and needs.”
“With affordable Discovery IQ PET-CT from GE
Healthcare, PET-CT can become an integral part of cancer care management for
cancer centres in India,” said N R Balamurugan, director, oncology, GE
Healthcare South Asia.
Source: http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=81049&sid=2
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