Australia investing in PET as "best" Dx technique
This article was originally published in Clinica
In an Aus$10m (US$8.7m) investment, Australia will develop its nuclear medicine facilities by building two new cyclotrons, which provide radiopharmaceuticals that are used in PET scanning.
The project, which is a partnership between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and Siemens Medical Solutions, is expected to "significantly improve" access to cancer and other serious disease diagnostics.
In making the announcement, Julie Bishop, minister for education, science and training, highlighted the demand for PET technology: "PET is the fastest growing medical diagnostic imaging technique in the world and was recently recognised in federal government research as the best option for diagnosis and treatment in Australia. Its use has grown globally by 200% in the last two years but there remains significant additional demand for this diagnostic test." PET facilities exist in 12 sites across Australia.
PET scans under attack
The announcement comes in the wake of accusations, recently made public by the national broadcasting agency, ABC, that a government report cast doubt on the effectiveness of PET scans. The government report was described as "a tragedy for Australian cancer patients" by an expert speaking on the programme, according to the Australian Healthcare Association (AHA). Reporting on the programme, the AHA states that health minister Tony Abbott was aware of the allegations but had "failed to act" and has continued to "rely on the report to defend the government's decision not to fund PET scans".