(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Positron emission tomography (PET scans) are helpful in diagnosing and treating some cancers, but do they help patients live healthier and longer lives?

New research from the United Kingdom says it’s not clear yet whether the imaging technology improves cancer patients’ quality of life or lifespan.

PET scans are usually more accurate than other imaging technologies such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. They can detect changes in the body’s biochemistry that distinguish cancerous cells from normal tissue.
 

Researchers looked at data from more than 150 studies that examined the effect of PET scans in managing breast, colorectal, head and neck, lung, lymphoma, melanoma, esophageal, and thyroid cancers. They wanted to find out whether PET scans diagnose these cancers better than an MRI or CT scan; whether a PET scan gives a better idea of a cancer’s severity or how far it has spread; and if the scans are better than other imaging techniques at detecting the recurrence of cancer or monitoring a tumor’s response to treatment.

The authors found the answers are still inconclusive for many of the cancers and require more research.

The study also reviewed the combination of PET/CT scans to help diagnose and treat cancer patients. It found the combination to be “slightly more accurate” so far.

SOURCE: Health Technology Assessment, 2007