The next generation PET/CT is coming soon. The Omni 128cm Total Body PET – Small Australian trial at Peter Mac

A Global first for NET. Omni 128cm Total Body PET at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne Australia. According to Professor Michael Hofman, they have been using the camera for a couple weeks and it is exceeding their expectations. They’re running a short trial comparing results against regular PETs. The great news is that part of the trial will be a prospective sub-trial around dual FDG/ DOTATATE. In fact I now know that the first patient in the world to be scanned was a Pancreatic NET and you can watch a great video of this even below.

What is the Omi 128cm Total Body PET?

The GE Healthcare Omni Total Body (TB) 128cms (Omni TB) is a long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT scanner being installed in a pre-market phase at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The main features and functionality of this new scanner include high sensitivity, high resolution digital detectors based on silicon photomultipliers. The ultra-high sensitivity and extended field of view are designed to support the ability to reduce administrated dose and/or shorten acquisition time without compromising the image quality of the PET imaging. To verify the appearance of images acquired on the Omni TB with images acquired on our conventional PET/CT equipment, a study imaging a cohort of patients on both devices is proposed. The study involves no additional radiopharmaceutical administration. Additionally, in keeping with ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) radiation dose practices, it will be possible to model acquisition settings (duration, administered activity and reconstruction parameters) using the system raw data and a suite of research tools to optimise acquisition parameters.

Why is this better than current PET Technology?

1. Long-Axial Field-of-View (LAFOV)

Conventional PET/CT scanners typically have an axial field-of-view of ~20–30 cm.
The Omni TB extends this to 128 cm, enabling whole-body imaging in a single bed position.
This reduces scan times dramatically and eliminates the need for multiple bed moves, improving patient comfort and workflow efficiency. In the video below, they are talking about a PET scan being done in two minutes. This also means more scans can be done in one day, increasing throughput and avoiding delays.

2. Ultra-High Sensitivity

The silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) digital detectors deliver much higher sensitivity than traditional photomultiplier tubes.
This means:
- Lower administered dose of radiopharmaceuticals while maintaining diagnostic image quality.
- Shorter acquisition times, which is especially beneficial for patients who struggle to remain still (e.g., children, frail patients).

3. Improved Image Quality

High-resolution digital detectors provide sharper images with better contrast.
The extended field-of-view allows for simultaneous dynamic imaging of multiple organs, which is not possible with conventional PET.
This opens new research opportunities in whole-body kinetics, e.g., tracking tracer distribution across organs in real time.

4. ALARA Compliance & Dose Optimization

The Omni TB’s raw data can be reprocessed with different acquisition settings (time, activity, reconstruction).
Researchers can model scenarios to find the lowest possible dose that still yields diagnostic-quality images.
This aligns perfectly with ALARA principles, reducing radiation exposure for patients and staff.

5. Research & Clinical Potential

Enables new biomarker development and novel trial designs by capturing systemic tracer behaviour.
Facilitates paediatric imaging and serial scans with minimal radiation burden.
Could expand PET’s role beyond oncology into cardiology, neurology, and immunology, where dynamic whole-body imaging is crucial.

The Clinical Trial

Click here to read. Single Centre at Peter Mac, Melbourne.

Adult, who is at least 18 years of age
Referred for a clinically indicated PET/CT scan with radiotracers F-18 FDG, F-18 DCFPyL, Ga-68 PSMA, Ga-68 DOTATATE or I-124
Able and willing to provide informed consent for participation in this study

The First Patient – a pancreatic NET from Australia.

A global first for NET

Note: To bolster the research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will be partnering with leading institutions – Stanford University Medical Centre (USA) and University Hospital Essen (Germany) – who will synchronously install this new platform, enabling
collaboration between global pioneers.

Summary

I don’t need to say anymore, the video does that!

Thanks for reading

Select of category of posts you’d like to see

Disclaimer

I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s), or conveyed by me on any social media or presentation, should be interpreted as medical advice given or advised by me.

Neither should any post or comment made by a follower or member of my private group be assumed to be medical advice, even if that person is a healthcare professional. Some content may be generated by AI which can sometimes be misinterpreted. Please check any references attached.

Please also note that mention of a clinical service, trial/study or therapy does not constitute an endorsement of that service, trial/study or therapy by Ronny Allan, the information is provided for education and awareness purposes and/or related to Ronny Allan’s own patient experience. This element of the disclaimer includes any complementary medicine, non-prescription over the counter drugs and supplements such as vitamins and minerals.