The IMAGE trial was the first study in Australia that directly compared CT (Computed Tomography) with PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography) scanning to determine the most effective medical imaging tool for patients with ovarian cancer outside the abdomen.
Prior to surgery, ovarian cancer patients receive CT scans to determine the extent of their disease. If it is detected outside the abdomen, they would usually receive upfront chemotherapy rather than surgery.
However, CT scans are not accurate enough and diagnostic errors can occur. The IMAGE project studied the value of gated PET/CT compared to standard imaging techniques (CT scan) in patients with ovarian cancer. ‘Gating’ is a technique that freezes the respiratory motion to improve images of the chest.
The trial is now complete and recruited a total of 84 patients. Results and data is now being analysed and the findings disseminated.
