Photon-counting CT scanner machine – which allows extraordinary view inside cancer cells – coming to SAHMRI

Extraordinary technology that will revolutionise patient care by allowing clinicians to peer deep inside cancer cells and clogged arteries is coming to SA.

The first photon-counting CT scanner in the southern hemisphere is coming to Adelaide in a giant medical stride jubilant doctors liken to going from a grainy black-and-white TV to a high-definition wide-screen.

Using sub-atomic photons, the basic unit of light, the machine will allow doctors to peer deep inside cancer cells, artery walls and more with crystal clarity and less radiation.

Australia’s first photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) machine will be installed at the Clinical & Research Imaging Centre, a partnership between the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and medical imaging firm Dr Jones & Partners.

The machine’s unmatched resolution promises to help diagnose and guide treatment for major diseases, says Dr Mitchell Raeside, managing partner at Dr Jones & Partners.

“Photon-counting CT is the equivalent of going from regular TV to HD and black-and-white to colour all in one step,” he said.

“This revolution in technology will benefit patients through earlier diagnoses and reducing radiation dose by up to 45 per cent when compared to existing scanners.”

Head of imaging at SAHMRI Dr Andrew Dwyer, a radiologist with Dr Jones & Partners, called it the biggest advance in CT imaging technology in 20 years and a game-changer for research and patient care.

“We know this technology, for the first time, can visualise inside coronary artery plaques and identify people who are at risk of heart attack,” he said.

“We also know it can probe cancer cells like never before. But the most exciting part of this is that we’ve barely scratched the surface of what might be possible.”

The $9.8m partnership between Dr Jones & Partners, SAHMRI and Siemens Healthineers is supported by $1m from the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science.

Industry, Innovation and Science Minister Susan Close said the investment showed what could be achieved by partnerships between research, healthcare and industry.

“Technology is progressing rapidly – especially medical technology – and this investment now will pay dividends in the years ahead,” Ms Close said. “Ultimately, this research will lead to better health outcomes for South Australians and potentially save lives.”

The machine, due to arrive later this year, is the result of two decades of development by Siemens Healthineers, which says the technology uses “the purest cadmium telluride crystal and the ability of the photon-counting detectors to directly transform X-ray photons into electrical signals”.

Managing director of Siemens Healthineers ANZ Michael Shaw called the scanner “a “reinvention of computed technology”.

“We are proud to see our pioneering technology in the hands of leading Australian researchers and clinicians as it is here that will we see the realisation of life-changing patient care,” he said.

Sue Tselikidis at home in Semaphore with her 12-year-old daughter Stavroula, husband Lucky, and dog Shorty. Picture: Dean Martin / The Advertiser

Tech is close to my heart

Sue Tselikidis knows the lifesaving importance of state-of-the-art imaging equipment and is delighted the photon-counting CT is on the way.

The cardiology nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, who has a family history of heart disease, has technology to thank for saving her own life.

Two years ago, aged 52 and thinking of her then-10-year-old daughter, Stavroula, Ms Tselikidis decided to have a scan to see if any plaque was developing.

“Lo and behold, the doctor rang the next day and told me I had 90 per cent blockage in a major artery,” she said. “If it was not for that scan, I was headed for a major heart attack and might not be here today.”

Her cardiologist, Dr Johan Verjans, quickly organised an angiogram and a stent was inserted to restore good blood flow.

Dr Verjans also works at the RAH as well as SAHMRI and Dr Jones & Partners. “Having access to the best CT technology is a win for patients,” she said.

Ms Tselikidis said it was genetics rather than lifestyle that put her at risk.

She said women may have different symptoms of heart problems to men – she had a bit of back pain but not much else.

Originally published as Photon-counting CT scanner machine – which allows extraordinary view inside cancer cells – coming to SAHMRI