Gujarat, Ahmedabad 08 March 2025: In a significant breakthrough for precision diagnostics, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, has successfully conducted Gujarat’s first-ever Gallium-68 Trivehexin PET-CT scan for the detection of a parathyroid adenoma (a noncancerous tumor in the parathyroid gland). This pioneering achievement, led by Dr. Kaustubh Patel, Director & Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, and Dr. Yash Jain, Consultant, Nuclear Medicine, marks a milestone in advanced nuclear imaging, enabling superior tumor localization and targeted treatment.
The patient, a middle-aged individual experiencing persistent high calcium levels due to primary hyperparathyroidism (over-secretion of parathyroid hormone), encountered diagnostic challenges as conventional imaging techniques, including Technetium-99m Sestamibi (a radiotracer-based scan for heart and tissue imaging) and ultrasound, failed to precisely locate the tumor.Recognizing the need for enhanced accuracy, the team at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre Ahmedabad employed Gallium-68 Trivehexin PET-CT—an advanced imaging modality renowned for its superior sensitivity in detecting small, hidden, or ectopically located adenomas, particularly in cases where standard scans yield inconclusive results. This cutting-edge technology successfully pinpointed the tumor behind the right thyroid lobe, enabling the surgical team to plan and perform a precise, minimally invasive procedure with confidence.
Dr. Kaustubh Patel,Director & Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgeon, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre Ahmedabad, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough adding, “This technology is a game-changer for parathyroid imaging. By eliminating the uncertainties of traditional scans, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre Ahmedabadis now positioned to detect tumors with remarkable precision, ensuring targeted surgical intervention, reducing complications, and enhancing patient recovery.”
Dr. Yash Jain, Consultant, Nuclear Medicine,HCG Aastha Cancer Centre Ahmedabad, explained the procedure, adding, “We extract Gallium-68 from our in-house generator and bind it with Trivehexin, a molecule that specifically targets parathyroid tumors. This compound was injected into the patient’s bloodstream, and within an hour, the PET-CT scan provided high-resolution images, pinpointing the tumor’s exact location—something previous scans could not achieve. This level of accuracy made all the difference in guiding a successful, minimally invasive surgery.
Following the scan, the patient underwent a targeted parathyroidectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the parathyroid glands in the neck), avoiding extensive surgical exploration. Within 20 minutes post-surgery, PTH levels normalized, confirming successful tumor removal. The patient recovered quickly, with significant symptom relief,improved energy levels and a lower risk of future complications.”
This milestone reinforces HCG Aastha Cancer Centre’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge advancements in nuclear medicine, making high-precision diagnostics more accessible to patients in Gujarat. By pioneering advanced imaging solutions, HCG continues to set new benchmarks in advanced cancer management, ensuring patients receive the most effective, accessible, and innovative care.
