In under an hour, a CT-PET scan gives a more accurate picture of disease.

The tool, CT-PET scanner, integrates two technologies – computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET). A CT scan shows anatomical detail while a PET scan provides information on the activity of tumours by recording metabolic changes in the body. Unlike other imaging techniques, such as X-rays and MRIs, which show body structure, PET analyzes the chemical functioning of the body. PET is also superior in its ability to determine the spread of disease and distinguish between benign and malignant tumours.

For patients, a CT-PET scan, which can be done in less than an hour, allows for more accurate detection of harder to find tumours, before they spread. This can reduce unnecessary surgery and enable the precise targeting of radiation treatment to avoid damaging healthy tissue.

	New drugs bringing new hope to patients About 1,000 patients are participating in more than 80 clinical drug studies at Princess Margaret Hospital. Dr. Malcolm Moore and his team lead this initiative, made possible by the Robert & Maggie Bras and Family New Drug Development Program. It is important work that will benefit cancer patients and improve the quality of life for many more.
	The passion and energy Maggie Bras brings to our cause to conquer cancer is endless. This year, she was the magic in securing a major additional gift for the program: a $1 million pledge from Roche Canada to establish the Roche Fellowship in Drug Development. She has also been actively involved in the development of a new home for the program. Renovations are under way on the fifth floor of the hospital, where 5,400 square feet of space will become a state-of-the-art new drug development centre by the end of the year.

Maggie Bras and builder check out renovations on the 5th floor, soon to be home to the hospital’s new drug development centre.

A scan shows an early-stage cancer (circled) in a study participant who was treated successfully.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Canada and early detection can improve the rate of survival, says Dr. Heidi Roberts, Associate Professor of Radiology, Department of Medical Imaging.

Dr. Roberts is leading The Early Lung Cancer Screening Program, which examines smokers aged 55 and older who are in good general health, have no previous cancers and have smoked at least one package of cigarettes a day for the past 10 years.

Participants are given a CT scan, which shows many cross-sectional images of the chest, from the top to the bottom of the lungs.

This low dose radiation scan – the same as a few standard chest X-rays – enables radiologists to detect very small nodules that would otherwise not be visible.

The result? Cancers are found in earlier stages of development, allowing for quicker treatment and better patient outcomes. Among an initial group of 400 patients scanned, eight earlystage cancers were found, all in women. To date, more than 750 patients have received scans.

The early screening program is funded by the Lusi Wong Lung Cancer Early Detection Research Fund.