Irving, TX, Feb. 22, 2017 – Helping improve outcomes for patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer has been the focus of much study. Although not one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer with only about 17,000 new cases reported each year, this form of the disease is among the deadliest. An estimated 15,000 Americans die from this difficult to treat condition annually. New research is shedding light on the benefits an old screening tool may have in improving outcomes. Using PET imaging during initial treatment may facilitate improved outcomes, researchers say.

A recent study looked into the benefits of using PET imaging to gauge the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This treatment is often used as a first step in the treatment of esophageal cancer to help shrink tumors prior to surgery. The aim is to increase the odds of a successful surgical outcome. Unfortunately, chemotherapy isn’t always as effective as desired. PET imaging, the study showed, can help doctors determine early effectiveness of chemo or the lack thereof. The results, in turn, may help doctors make important adjustments to treatment to improve outcomes.

“The research was able to show that using PET imaging to guide adjustments to chemotherapy can improve outcomes rather significantly,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder of PET/CT of Las Colinas. “Patients who were monitored with PET imaging and had their treatments adjusted as a result had a pathologic complete response rate of about 18 percent. That is up from about 5 percent for patients who continued on initial therapy despite PET imaging that showed tumors were likely non-responsive to the regimen prescribed.”

By enabling doctors to swiftly change course when necessary, PET imaging can play a valuable role in the treatment of esophageal cancer, researchers say.

“Anything that gives an edge in gauging tumor response is critical for potentially improving outcomes,” explains Dr. Echt.

Patients who are diagnosed with esophageal cancer should talk to their healthcare providers about all treatment options. PET imaging may play a role in helping improve treatment effectiveness.

About PET/CT of Las Colinas
PET/CT of Las Colinas is dedicated to the care and wellbeing of our patients. We understand that the foundation of a successful treatment plan – or a clean bill of health – begins with sophisticated, accurate imagery. We look forward to providing you with the highest level of care.Our imaging center is located conveniently across the highway from the Las Colinas Medical Center within the Las Colinas Cancer Center on Highway 161 in Irving, TX. and – once here – we offer hassle-free curbside parking.