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Study Confirms PET Has Major Impact On Cancer Management
Data recently published by the National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR) in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that the intended care of more than one in three cancer patients changed as a result of findings at PET imaging. Northwest Community Hospital is one of the approximately 1,200 facilities participating in the NOPR.
The NOPR was launched in May 2006 in response to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) novel "Coverage with Evidence Development" policy to collect data through a clinical registry in order to establish reimbursement policies for cancer indications that are currently not covered. Sponsored by the Academy of Molecular Imaging (AMI) and managed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the ACR Imaging Network (ACRIN), the NOPR is designed to collect questionnaire data from referring physicians on intended patient management before and following PET imaging.
As an NOPR participating facility, Northwest Community collects from our referring physicians both a pre-PET questionnaire and one of several post-PET questionnaires that assess the planned management in light of the PET findings. Analysis of registry data found that PET is associated with a 36.5% change in the decision of whether or how to treat a patient's cancer. For a complete list of NOPR covered cancer types and indications, please refer to www.cancerpetregistry.org.
The NOPR has formally asked CMS to reconsider the current coverage decision on PET and to end the data collection requirements. Medicare will review the published data and determine how to proceed with reimbursement for PET scans which are now only covered through the NOPR.
Fused PET-CT image on a 72-year-old female with vulvar carcinoma. Increased metabolic activity is present within a metastatic right external iliac lymph node (arrow). This study was only reimbursable through the NOPR.
If you have any questions regarding PET imaging at NCH, including the NOPR, please contact Drs. Peter Cormier or Carl Kalbhen at 847.618.5850.
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Bi-Plane Angiography Technology Enhances Interventional Radiology
Northwest Community Hospital recently opened its new state-of-the-art Siemens® AXIOM bi-plane angiography suite. As the name implies, bi-plane angiography can simultaneously acquire images in two different anatomic planes (eg, frontal and lateral). With provided software applications, cross-sectional CT images, digital subtraction of overlying bony structures and vascular maps can be generated as well. These applications improve lesion visualization and can also decrease examination time, contrast dose and radiation exposure.
New Siemens® AXIOM bi-plane angiography suite with one of the two image intensifiers in the foreground and the multidisplay monitor in the background.
While useful for all angiography procedures as well as some nonvascular indications, the greatest benefits of this new technology will be in the area of neurointervention. Catheter and wire guidance can be monitored three-dimensionally, allowing greater precision during aneurysm coiling and stenting procedures in particular.
Neurointerventional angiography image showing a vascular map of the left internal carotid artery (red) with coils being placed into a large intracranial aneurysm (arrow).
For more information or to make a referral, please contact Drs. Jonathan Barker, Brad Melliere or Evan Oblonsky at 847.618.5890.
For more information about Northwest Radiology Associates, the services we provide, and how to contact individual radiologists, please visit our web site: northwestradiologyassociates.com.
If you wish to be added to our distribution list, or if you have any questions or comments, please email: ckalbhen@northwestradiologyassociates.com.
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