Life Healthcare has launched a state-of-the-art digital PET-CT scanner at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in collaboration with GE HealthCare, marking a significant step forward in expanding access to advanced cancer diagnostics in the province.
The new scanner is the first digital PET-CT system in the Life Healthcare Group and only the second privately operated PET-CT scanner in the Western Cape, helping to expand access to highly specialised cancer imaging to nearby provinces like Eastern Cape.
The hospital recently marked its 100th PET-CT scan since the service became operational.
According to Bruce Young, nuclear medicine and specifically PET-CT technology – plays a critical role in modern cancer diagnosis.
“PET-CT provides highly detailed insights into both the structure and the metabolic activity of cancer, offering information that conventional imaging cannot,” Young said.
“By combining anatomical CT imaging and functional PET imaging, we can more accurately locate tumours, determine disease extent and personalise treatment plans – often enabling more targeted and less invasive interventions.”
Imran Farid said the collaboration highlights how advanced digital technologies can strengthen cancer care.
“Our collaboration with Life Healthcare demonstrates how advanced digital innovation can support oncologists in earlier, more precise diagnosis and more personalised cancer care,” Farid said.
“By combining leading-edge imaging technology with strong clinical partnerships, we are helping to strengthen oncology pathways and improve outcomes for patients in the region.”
PET-CT technology is widely recommended in international clinical guidelines, including those of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, for cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment response assessment.
Studies show that when appropriately used, PET-CT imaging can change cancer staging or management in up to 30% of certain cancers compared with conventional imaging – highlighting its clinical importance.
The launch of the PET-CT unit at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital forms part of Life Healthcare’s broader oncology strategy to build an integrated “molecule-to-recovery” model that spans isotope production, advanced diagnostics, radiotherapy and treatment delivery.
Pete Wharton-Hood said access to PET-CT technology in South Africa remains limited despite its widespread use internationally.
“While PET-CT is widely used in many global oncology centres, access in South Africa remains constrained,” he said.
“We are committed to closing this gap by expanding capacity and enabling appropriate clinical use of this critical diagnostic technology.”
Wharton-Hood added that expanding the PET-CT network beyond Gauteng into the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal would help address a significant infrastructure gap while advancing a more integrated, patient-centred oncology platform.
With the addition of the new digital PET-CT system in Cape Town, Life Healthcare now operates four PET-CT scanners nationally, with three currently based in Gauteng.
The group also plans to launch two additional PET-CT scanners in KwaZulu-Natal later in 2026.
In parallel with its geographic expansion, the company is investing in supporting infrastructure, including the development of two cyclotrons through a joint venture to enable local isotope production – a critical component for sustainable PET-CT services.
The expansion forms part of Life Healthcare’s strategy to grow high-impact diagnostic services while strengthening its position as a leading integrated oncology provider in South Africa.
Patients are encouraged to consult their treating specialists and medical aid providers to determine whether PET-CT scans may benefit their cancer diagnosis and treatment journey.
Life Healthcare has launched a state-of-the-art digital PETCT scanner at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital , in collaboration with GE HealthCare, marking a significant step forward to access to advanced cancer diagnostics in the province. Picture: SUPPILED.
