Researchers at the University of Glasgow funded by Cancer Research UK have unveiled a new imaging technology that they believe will revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer. 

The new approach uses PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging to provide a comprehensive view of the bowel and study tumours within the body.

Traditionally, bowel cancer diagnosis would rely on invasive biopsies, which carry risks such as infection with them, along with running the chance of being unable to capture a complete photo of the disease. This means PET imaging not only improves diagnosis, but also patient care. 

PET scanning uses labelled nutrients or drugs, known as tracers, to create its three-dimensional image. This technology enables a thorough examination of the entire bowel, allowing researchers to study tumours while they are still within the body, rather than relying solely on post-removal analysis.

“Precision medicine has the potential to revolutionise cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the development of accurate, informative, and patient-friendly diagnostic techniques is crucial for its success,” said Dr David Lewis, of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute and the University of Glasgow, who led the research. 

“PET imaging offers a promising alternative, with the ability to survey the entire cancer landscape, allowing us to examine tumours in more detail while they are still growing.”

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The implications of this technology are significant for the approximately 4,000 people diagnosed with bowel cancer in Scotland each year. With nearly 1,800 individuals succumbing to the disease annually.

The research team leveraged existing genetic data on bowel cancer to identify distinct tumour characteristics using PET imaging. Moreover, their findings suggest that multiple tracer PET scanning could differentiate between various types of bowel cancer based on genetic markers, paving the way for personalised treatment approaches.

“These findings by the team at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute and University of Glasgow offer an exciting opportunity to revolutionise the way we diagnose and monitor bowel cancer without invasive surgery, reducing the risk and improving outcomes for patients,” said Dr Catherine Elliott, director of research at Cancer Research UK.