Game-Changer In Cancer Care: Mobile Imaging Brings Gallium-68 Dotatate PET-CT Scans To Patients

Access to advanced diagnostic imaging has taken a
significant leap forward with the introduction of Gallium-68
Dotatate PET-CT scans now available through Mobile Imaging’s
mobile service. Starting April 7th this service will make a
profound difference for individuals in rural and remote
areas, providing diagnostic services closer to home.
Gallium-68 Dotatate PET-CT scans are a highly effective tool
for diagnosing and assessing Neuroendocrine tumours,
providing precise imaging that supports accurate treatment
planning.

Mobile Health Group and Mercy Radiology
partnered together in 2024 to roll out Mobile Imaging –
New Zealand’s first state-of-the-art mobile PET-CT unit,
designed to travel across regions, ensuring that PET-CT
scans are no longer confined to urban centres. Since then,
it has travelled to Rotorua, Palmerston North, Lower Hutt,
and Dunedin.

Dr Remy Lim, Medical Director
of Mercy Radiology says, “The introduction of Gallium-68
Dotatate scans onboard Mobile Imaging is making this
cutting-edge technology even more accessible, particularly
in rural and remote areas. Gallium-68 Dotatate PET-CT
imaging represents a significant step forward in diagnosing
Neuroendocrine tumours, a group of rare cancers that can be
challenging to detect. This advanced radiotracer is helping
doctors pinpoint these tumours with greater accuracy than
ever before.”

Neuroendocrine tumours
(NETs) is the umbrella term for a group of unusual, often
slow-growing cancers. These tumours arise from
Neuroendocrine cells and although commonly found in the
digestive or respiratory systems, they can develop anywhere
in the body. The term Neuroendocrine implies that these
cells have received some nervous connections, (neuro-) and
the cells can secrete hormones (endocrine).

Dr Jane
Reeve, a Radiologist and Board Member for Neuroendocrine NZ,
emphasises the critical role of Gallium Dotatate PET-CT
scans in diagnosing and managing Neuroendocrine tumours.
“Patients with Neuroendocrine tumours represent a unique
group. Neuroendocrine tumours can arise in any part of the
body and often can be relatively subtle on conventional
imaging, despite significant symptoms.”

Dr Reeve
adds, “These advanced imaging techniques are essential for
accurately determining the extent and nature of the disease
and directing patients to the best therapy. Many patients
with Neuroendocrine tumours lead relatively long, active
lives despite their diagnosis, and having access to imaging
closer to home will greatly benefit them and their
families.”

By bringing advanced diagnostic services
directly to local communities, Mobile Imaging is breaking
down barriers and ensuring that all New Zealanders have
access to cutting-edge healthcare, regardless of where they
live.

Mark Eager, Mobile Health Group CE says,
“Until now, accessing this level of imaging often required
long journeys as Gallium-68 Dotatate is only available in
Auckland and Christchurch, posing logistical and financial
challenges for many Kiwis.”

Mark adds, “This
service not only saves patients from long and costly
journeys but also reduces waiting times for scans and
diagnosis. By making this advanced imaging more accessible,
Mobile Imaging is enhancing equitable healthcare and
ensuring timely intervention for those in need.”

For
more information, visit www.mobileimaging.co.nz

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