Madurai's KGS Scans launches advanced digital PET imaging system for accurate diagnosis

Madurai: KGS Scans, a diagnostic centre in Madurai, has introduced a new digital Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging system, said to be the first of its kind in south Tamil Nadu. The system is designed to produce better image quality while requiring a smaller amount of radiotracer, according to consultant radiologist K. G. Srinivasan.

Announcing the launch on Saturday, Dr. Srinivasan said the new facility combines fusion imaging with PET-CT and PET-MRI compatibility. It will offer advanced nuclear medicine studies, including FDG PET (FluoroDeoxyGlucose Positron Emission Tomography), among others. Fusion imaging integrates PET's functional data with the anatomical detail provided by CT or MRI, helping doctors pinpoint abnormalities more precisely.

The most commonly used isotope in PET scans, 18F-FDG, plays an indispensable role in oncology. It helps evaluate, diagnose, and monitor the progress of malignant conditions. However, some tumours do not show significant uptake on FDG PET. In such cases, FAPI PET, which uses a special isotope, can identify these 'silent' tumours, offering an alternative for difficult cases.

Another isotope, 18F-DOPA, is used in DOPA PET scans to identify dopamine-deficient areas in the brain. This technology can detect changes associated with Parkinson's disease significantly earlier than an MRI, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and management.

For prostate cancer, which is a leading cause of illness and death among elderly men worldwide, the centre will offer PSMA PET (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) scans. This imaging method helps in identifying prostate cancer and also offers theranostic benefits — meaning it can be used for both diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Dr. Srinivasan explained that while MRI provides detailed structural images, PET adds functional information, showing how tissues and organs are working. Combining the two gives a more complete picture, enhancing diagnostic possibilities.

KGS Scans has been operational in Madurai for over two decades. The centre's stated objective is to provide affordable and accessible imaging services without compromising on quality or precision. With the induction of the latest technology, Dr. Srinivasan noted that the time saved in arriving at a diagnosis could make a meaningful difference for patients.

The new PET imaging system is expected to benefit people across the region, reducing the need for travel to larger cities for advanced diagnostic procedures.