NICE issues PET/CT scan recommendation for pancreatic cancer patients

The United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued new guidelines on the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer in February. Guidelines include the recommendation of a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan both to expedite diagnosis of patients with suspected pancreatic cancer and to more accurately determine its stage if diagnosed.

The organization estimates that PET/CT will result in a 20% reduction in surgery by identifying patients whose cancer has spread and for whom surgery is inappropriate. NICE also stated that increasing the use of PET/CT scans will limit damaging side effects for patients and will ensure that patients with inoperable cancer can have earlier access to other treatments, such as chemotherapy.

This guidance also recommends regular checks for high-risk patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer or Lynch syndrome. Pancreatic cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in the United Kingdom, with more than 9,500 new cases diagnosed each year.

The NICE Guideline (NG85), entitled “Pancreatic cancer in adults: diagnosis and management,” may be downloaded for free here.