For Immediate Release November 7, 2000

PETScan Centre Offers Highly Accurate Technology For Detecting Cancers

Centre offers safe and non-invasive imaging technique for detecting, diagnosing and managing cancers as well as heart and brain diseases

Vancouver, B.C. -- British Columbia cancer patients and their physicians now have access to a superior imaging technique for the early detection of cancer -- positron emission tomography or PET scans -- available at the recently opened Vancouver PETScan Centre.

Positron emission tomography is the best imaging technique to detect whether a tumour is cancerous, or if a primary cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is also effective for certain diseases of the heart and brain. A whole body scan (from head to upper thigh), PET is unique in its ability to show important information about the body's chemistry and tissue function, instead of just the internal anatomy.

"Early detection of cancer, or recurring cancer, is vital to the successful treatment of the disease," explains Dr. Brian Lentle, medical director of the Vancouver PETScan Centre and a professor of radiology at the University of British Columbia. "PET scans give doctors, including oncologists and surgeons, better detection and diagnostic tools for determining the best course of treatment.

"A key benefit for the patient and his or her family is that the results of the scan are known immediately. It's been my experience that it's the uncertainty while waiting for results that causes patients a very high level of stress and anxiety."

Open since the beginning of October, the Vancouver PETScan Centre sees all patients on a doctor referral basis. The majority of patients to date have been referred by the BC Cancer Agency.

Located at the BC Research & Innovation Complex on the UBC campus, the Vancouver PETscan Centre is Canada's first dedicated clinical PET facility.

The Vancouver PETScan Centre is privately owned and is operated by International PET Diagnostics, Inc. (IPET), a Vancouver-based company. IPET was established in January 1999 by Denis Tusar, a long-time Vancouver resident who was moved to explore cancer treatments and technologies following the death of a relative from lymphoma. Tusar shares Dr. Lentle's strong beliefs in the importance of PET scans in the fight to control cancer.