Vanderbilt Pioneers Intraoperative PET-CT in Breast Cancer Surgery

In a significant advancement for cancer treatment, Vanderbilt University Medical Center has become the first institution in the United States to perform breast cancer surgery utilizing intraoperative PET-CT scan technology. This innovative approach allows surgical teams to obtain real-time imaging of tumor margins during the procedure, potentially reducing the need for additional surgeries.

The development builds upon previous successful applications of intraoperative PET-CT in head and neck cancer surgeries. Denise Garcia, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, led the effort to extend this technology to breast cancer surgery. "This application of intraoperative PET-CT is proof that countless patients can benefit from the expansion of this novel imaging methodology," explained Garcia.

The intraoperative PET-CT system uses the Xeos Aura 10 scanner, which enables imaging and assessment directly in the operating room. The technology eliminates the delay often incurred when waiting for pathology results post-surgery. Patients receive a dose of a radioactive agent on the day of their operation. This agent illuminates cancerous tissues, helping the surgical team to ensure the complete removal of the tumor. The scanner, supplied by the Belgium-based company Xeos, negates the need to send specimens to the pathology lab, offering a real-time view of the excised tumor.

If any cancerous tissue is detected after the initial resection, surgeons can promptly proceed with additional excision until the entire tumor is successfully removed. This method not only increases the likelihood of a successful surgery but also provides patients with immediate reassurance that follow-up surgeries may not be necessary.

Michael Topf, MD, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, initially led the use of intraoperative PET-CT scanners in head and neck surgeries. This recent adaptation to breast cancer surgery marks a promising expansion of the technology's application. The rapid integration of intraoperative PET-CT scanning is expected to enhance surgical efficiency significantly while offering surgeons and patients prompt and precise information about surgery outcomes.

As institutions continue to explore and expand the usage of this advanced imaging technology across various cancer types, it represents a forward leap in the quest to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.