University Hospital Coventry is leading a groundbreaking trial using the Aura-10 scanner to improve cancer treatment. The hospital is the first globally to extend the scanner's use to patients with head and neck cancers, assessing whether all cancerous tissue has been removed during surgery. This innovative approach aims to enhance precision and reduce the need for subsequent treatments.
The Aura-10 combines CT and PET scanning technologies in a compact, mobile unit. This allows for rapid, high-resolution submillimeter imaging of tumors within approximately 10 minutes. According to Gary Walton, a maxillofacial consultant at the trust, this rapid imaging capability could significantly decrease a patient's reliance on chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the future.
The technology is also being applied to prostate cancer treatment. Urology consultant Donald MacDonald explained that, nationally, a significant percentage of prostate cancer surgeries require follow-up radiotherapy due to incomplete tumor removal. In other instances, excessive tissue removal leads to nerve damage and incontinence. "This is an absolute game changer for prostate cancer surgery and has the potential to make Coventry one of the best prostate cancer centers in the world," MacDonald stated, emphasizing the scanner's potential to ensure complete cancer removal while preserving healthy tissue.
How the Aura-10 Works
Prior to surgery, patients receive an injection of Gallium68, a mildly radioactive substance that is selectively absorbed by tumor cells. The Aura-10 scanner then detects the Gallium68, providing detailed images of the tumor's location and extent. This allows surgeons to immediately verify the completeness of tumor removal while the patient is still under anesthesia. Coventry is one of the few centers in the UK equipped to produce Gallium68, facilitating this advanced imaging technique.
Potential Cost Savings and Improved Patient Outcomes
While the Aura-10 equipment represents a significant investment (approximately £250,000), John Elliot, the trust's head of cancer services, believes it could lead to overall cost savings. These savings would come from reduced histopathology workload and a decreased need for further treatments. More importantly, Elliot emphasized the potential for improved patient outcomes. Oludolapo Adesanya, clinical lead for nuclear medicine and the trial's principal investigator, expressed excitement about the initial results, noting their alignment with pathology lab standards. The trust anticipates that this technology could be applied to a broader range of cancer care areas in the future.
Interest from Other Hospitals
The pioneering work at University Hospital Coventry has attracted considerable interest from other hospitals, particularly those in London. The trust anticipates that the Aura-10 technology could be adopted by other centers, further expanding its impact on cancer treatment.
