honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, December 25, 2007

New cancer-fighting device approved for Maui

Advertiser Staff

A new tool to treat cancer and other diseases has been approved for the planned Maui Cancer Center.

The state Health Planning and Development Agency has granted a certificate of need for the installation of a PET/CT scan, which stands for positron emission tomography and computed tomography. It will be the only machine of its kind on Maui.

The device detects cancer in areas of the body that other imaging equipment might miss. It also probes a tumor's growth and helps physicians evaluate treatment options.

The new cancer center in Kahului is scheduled to open by the end of 2008.

The PET scan system will cost about $880,000.