Hospital Efficiency Impact of Spectral CT Versus Conventional CT in Diagnosis of Patients Suspected of Occult Cancer in the UK

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosing cancer can be challenging, especially in those with vague symptoms, who have a longer time to diagnosis and higher mortality rate due to delayed intervention as a result. Spectral CT uses two layers of detectors to simultaneously collect low-and high-energy data. It delivers insights such as improved tissue characterization and visualization for confident disease management. Based on prior studies spectral CT has shown a higher sensitivity for malignant lesions than conventional CT. With growing waiting list times and follow-up appointments in the UK, this study examined the potential impact on follow-up diagnostic appointments when spectral CT is used in place of conventional CT.

METHODS: Spectral CT outcomes data was derived from Andersen M et al, 2021; this study calculated the economic impact of spectral body imaging in a Danish setting. This was then applied to UK healthcare data which was obtained from Healthcare Episode Statistics (HES). HES data on liver, kidney, pancreas, lung, and prostate was obtained and subsequently, follow-up diagnostic procedural data relating to ultrasound, CT and MRI. HES data was also retrieved for waiting list times (13+ weeks) on each diagnostic procedure to determine the burden of disease.

RESULTS: An average of 64.5% reduction in follow-ups (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) was calculated from the Andersen M et al, 2021 study. This was applied to the follow-up procedures per trust in the relevant disease areas obtained from HES data.

CONCLUSIONS: Several follow-up diagnostic procedures could be eliminated based on spectral data reading, which could improve waiting list times, and deliver significant cost savings for the NHS.