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Mercy Radiology’s new digital PET-CT scanner is the latest tool available in the fight against prostate cancer.
It was unveiled last month at Mercy Radiology’s new Milford clinic on Auckland’s North Shore. In New Zealand, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
Mercy Radiology has 14 branches located around the wider Auckland area, offering a full spectrum of diagnostic radiology services.
Referrals to Mercy Radiology and Mercy Breast Clinic can now be made via CareSelect.
Clarity is everything
Mercy Radiology Group’s director of strategic programmes Alexis Stewart says the new digital PET-CT scanner provides better quality images compared to analogue scanners.
“This means cancers can be detected earlier and therefore treatment can begin earlier. If cancer is caught earlier, survivorship and quality of life can be greatly improved,” Alexis says.
PSMA scanning is also used to help detect cancers.
“Radioactive isotopes find and bind to the cancerous cells making it easier to pinpoint where the cancer is and if it has spread. This accurate information can then be used to help make the right and most effective treatment choices.”
Another new tool Mercy Radiology is using in the fight against prostate cancer is Lutetium therapy.
“Lutetium locks onto cancerous cells and leaves the healthy cells alone, which means less side effects compared to other palliative treatments like chemotherapy. Again, greatly improving our patients’ quality of life,” she says.
The therapy is currently used only for prostate cancer patients receiving palliative care, however new research from Australia is strongly suggesting it may be used for all prostate cancer patients in the future.
Early detection key: All 2D mammograms replaced
Alexis says Mercy Radiology recently replaced all its 2D mammogram machines with 3D tomosynthesis machines.
“The 3D imaging picks up more cancerous cells earlier than the 2D imaging, particularly for women who have dense breast tissue. Early detection is proven to improve survivorship.”
Mercy Radiology’s one-stop clinics are also helping in the fight against cancer by providing patient streamlined services and care that eliminates the need for multiple appointments over a long period of time.
“This fast-tracks the time to diagnosis by getting earlier detection and treatment. For some of our clinics, you can have your diagnosis and an initial treatment plan in as little as 45 minutes compared to the traditional two to six week wait,” she says.
How to refer Mercy Radiology Group:
Mercy Radiology have branches in the Auckland CBD, Botany, Epsom, Milford, Orewa, Pakuranga, Red Beach, Rosedale, Silverdale, St Lukes, Takapuna, Warkworth, and Westgate.
Refer to their central Booking Team who will make an appointment at the location most convenient to your patient.
- open the patient record
- launch the HealthLink homepage
- using the CareSelect search bar, type Mercy Radiology or Mercy Breast Clinic
- click “Compose Referral”.