Computed tomography (CT), also known as computerized tomography or computerized axial tomography (CAT), has the potential to detect even small abnormalities and produce enhanced quality 3D images. According to Inkwood Research, the global computed tomography (CT) scanners market is forecasted to grow with a CAGR of 5.26% between 2023 to 2032, generating a revenue of $12.587 billion by 2032.
The detailed images provided by CT scans may also eliminate the need for exploratory surgery. Besides, while a CT scan of the heart may be ordered when various types of cardiac diseases or abnormalities are suspected, the screening technology is also an indispensable tool for detecting lesions or possible tumors.
CT scans, in this regard, are vital solutions that help doctors locate cancer and illustrate additional aspects like a tumor’s shape and size. Moreover, they can also aid in recognizing the blood vessels feeding the tumor. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death globally, accounting for around 10 million deaths in 2020. Some of the most common cancers include lung, breast, colon, as well as rectum and prostate cancers.
In the field of oncology, some of the top applications of computed tomography (CT) scanners include –
• Learning the cancer’s stage, which in turn, helps oncologists identify the best treatment options and recovery approximations
• Finding the right location for a biopsy, a procedure during which a clinician takes a tissue fragment from the region of the body where cancer may be present
• Planning radiation therapy cycles
• Observing the treatment’s progress and results, while also investigating new cancer growth during follow-up care
As per Inkwood Research, oncology is expected to be the leading and dominating application in the global computed tomography (CT) scanners market, capturing a revenue share of 28.50% by 2032.
The increasing rates of cancer incidence worldwide, coupled with higher mortality in malignancies, continue to pose a significant challenge to the biomedical scientific community in terms of devising effective diagnosis and management of cancer. With prevention deemed a realistic probability only in certain types of cancers, technological advancements in cancer diagnostics, entailing precise determination of size, location, stage, as well as molecular characteristics, is imperative.
Accordingly, here are some of the cutting-edge advancements in computed tomography (CT) scanners for cancer diagnostics –
• Higher-Slice CT Systems: Previously, the commonly available slice counts included 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128-slice CT scanners. However, present CT scanners provide up to 256, 320, and even 640 CT slice counts. Key advantages associated with higher-slice CT systems include the following –
o Higher patient throughput
o Excellent image resolution
o Faster and more comfortable scans for patients
o Options for advanced imaging reduced radiation exposure
o Minimum scan times
In this regard, the ANATOM S800 256-slice CT scanner by Shenzhen Anke High-Tech Co Ltd (China) provides full body tomography. Likewise, the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute offers a 256-slice CT scan diagnostic imaging equipment that can take super-fast pictures of a moving heart in milliseconds using a 3D tool format on a computer monitor.
Moreover, the highest slice CT scanner is the Toshiba Aquilion One, with 640 slices. Incorporated with the newest technology, the scanner facilitates faster and more detailed diagnosis.
• Market Observations: According to Inkwood Research, high-end slice is set to be the major type during the forecast period, capturing a revenue share of 45% by 2032. High-end slice scanners are typically found in large hospitals, medical centers, and research institutions, requiring the highest level of imaging capabilities
• Spectral CT Imaging: Spectral CT technology, also known as dual-source/dual-energy CT, is becoming increasingly integrated into major CT vendors’ technologies. Instead of scanning a patient multiple times using varied energies to focus on various tissue types, spectral CT technology offers different views from a single scan. Spectral CT is also gaining higher clinical importance with several potential applications, including oncological imaging.
The combination of virtual unenhanced as well as low monoenergetic reconstructions results in improved characterization and detection of the solid tumors’ vascularization. Aligning with this, the IQon Spectral CT by Koninklijke Philips NV (The Netherlands) is the world’s first and only detector-based spectral CT. It delivers multiple layers of retrospective data in a single, low-dose scan.
• AI Algorithms in CT Systems: The utilization of machine learning in medical imaging, particularly in CT scanning, offers the opportunity to reduce radiation exposure and leverage the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). Through this, radiologists can significantly enhance image quality, enabling clinicians to make more precise diagnoses and consequently administer improved treatments. Some of these developments by leading players operating in the global computed tomography (CT) scanners include –
• Neusoft Medical (China): NeuViz Epoch is a 512-slice CT scanner with a ground-breaking AI technology platform. The organ-specific AI algorithms identify anatomy for precise scanning while optimizing patient scans on the basis of their anatomy.
• Shenzhen ANKE HIGH-TECH Co Ltd (China): ANATOM Precision 128-slice CT scanner is a fully-AI powered system. It applies Al deep learning algorithm to intelligently recognize the 3D center of the scan and automatically align it with the isocentre.
• Iterative Reconstruction: It is a computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction algorithm that starts with an initial image assumption. It then continuously refines and adjusts this assumption by comparing it to real-time measured values until they converge and agree with each other. In a 2021 study aimed at examining the application of iterative reconstruction algorithm-based computed tomography (CT) imaging in diagnosing gastric cancer (GC), it was revealed that the detection rate of both spiral CT, as well as iterative reconstruction algorithm-based CT, was 100%. Moreover, following the iterative reconstruction algorithm, the image information, image quality, and image mean square error (MSE) were remarkably improved.
Another study published in the Official Journal of Shanghai Chest Hospital revealed that iterative reconstruction promises to be an alternative to filtered back projection. It also allows for lung cancer screening at distinctly decreased radiation exposure rates with comparable or even improved image quality. This approach helps acquire a reduced number of scans and reconstruct 2D & 3D images, thus providing physicians with an enhanced diagnosis tool.
Cancer diagnoses are rapidly evolving due to continuous advancements in human cognition of the disease and technological advancements that help increase the feasibility of reliable diagnostic approaches. As healthcare infrastructure advances globally and imaging technology continues to progress in the global computed tomography (CT) scanners market, patients will undoubtedly reap the benefits of these advancements.
FAQs:
1. Can a CT scanner identify whether a tumor is benign?
A: Although CT scanners can be effective tools in cancer screening, they cannot determine whether a nodule is benign or not.
2. What types of cancer can a CT scan detect?
A: Some of the leading types of cancer detected by CT scans include kidney cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and stomach cancer.
