Dose Efficiency of Modern CT Scanners in Oncologic Scans

On Dose Efficiency of Modern CT-Scanners in the Staging of Malignancies - a Prospective Randomized Study

CT-Staging is crucial for therapy planning of patients with malignancies. Dose efficiency and image quality are important parameters for these examinations. Up to now, scientific evidence of dose efficiency of modern CT scanners is mostly derived from retrospective analyses. This prospective study systematically analyzes dose efficiency and image quality of three modern CT scanners by randomization of patients who are scheduled for a CT scan to examine the status of malignancies. After giving informed consent and randomization (1:1:1), the CT scan will be performed at one of the modern CT scanners available at our department. This will allow a systematic allocation to the different scanners.

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinical suspicion of a malignancy or known / confirmed malignancy AND
• indication for contrast-enhanced CT of the body confirmed by board-certified radiologist ('justifying indication' according to German/European radiation protection law) AND
• patient (is able to give informed consent and) has given informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• age < 18 years
• known or suspected pregnancy
• contraindications for contrast agent (renal failure, allergy, hyperthyroidism)