NICE recommends PET-CT scans for pancreatic cancer patients

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidelines on the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer, in which it recommends a different type of computed tomography scan, called PET-CT.

According to the non-departmental healthcare body, deployment of this technology will expedite diagnosis of this particular cancer and also offer more accurate information on its stage of development.

One of the key proposed benefits of PET-CT scanning for patients is that it will reduce the risk of people undergoing unnecessary surgery if their cancer has spread and is inoperable. This could lead to earlier access to other treatments, such as chemotherapy.

The more accurate computed tomography scan could result in a 20 percent reduction in surgery to remove pancreatic cancer.

Professor Mark Baker, director of the centre for guidelines at NICE, said: "The PET-CT scan could have a significant impact on the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. It will mean that the staging process is more effective so that patients stand a better chance of getting the right treatment, at the right time."

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth-biggest cause of cancer death in the UK, with more than 9,500 new cases diagnosed every year.

With over 20 years of experience within the medical devices market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current medical device roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.