All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Mangalagiri has significantly strengthened its nuclear medicine department by installing a state-of-the-art SPECT-CT scanner and commissioning a dedicated high-dose therapy ward. The upgrade will enable advanced functional imaging, precise cancer staging, cardiac evaluation, and targeted radionuclide therapies, bringing world-class nuclear medicine services closer to patients in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.
Glimpse:
The newly installed SPECT-CT system combines single-photon emission computed tomography with computed tomography for superior image quality, better localization of abnormalities, and reduced scan times. The high-dose therapy ward is equipped with radiation safety infrastructure to safely administer therapeutic doses of radioisotopes for thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumours, prostate cancer, and other conditions. These additions will improve early detection, accurate staging, treatment planning, and post-therapy monitoring while reducing the need for patients to travel to larger centres like Hyderabad or Chennai.
AIIMS Mangalagiri has taken a major step forward in advanced medical care by expanding its nuclear medicine department with the installation of a latest-generation SPECT-CT scanner and the inauguration of a dedicated high-dose radionuclide therapy ward. The development, announced on February 27, 2026, was inaugurated by senior institute officials and marks a significant upgrade in the institute’s ability to offer cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic services in nuclear medicine to patients in Andhra Pradesh and surrounding states.
The SPECT-CT system integrates functional imaging (SPECT) with anatomical detail (CT), providing clinicians with highly accurate localization of disease processes. This technology is particularly valuable for oncology (staging and restaging of cancers), cardiology (myocardial perfusion imaging), neurology, and infection imaging. The hybrid scanner offers superior image quality, shorter acquisition times, and lower radiation exposure compared to older systems, enabling more precise diagnosis and better treatment planning.
The new high-dose therapy ward is designed to safely administer therapeutic radioisotopes for conditions such as differentiated thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumours, metastatic prostate cancer, and certain bone metastases. The ward features specialized radiation shielding, dedicated isolation rooms, advanced radiation monitoring systems, and trained staff to ensure patient and staff safety while delivering targeted therapy. Patients will now be able to receive these specialized treatments locally instead of travelling long distances to other major centres.
AIIMS Mangalagiri Director and faculty members highlighted that these additions will significantly reduce diagnostic and treatment delays, improve clinical outcomes, and support the institute’s role as a leading tertiary care and teaching hospital in the region. The nuclear medicine department will also enhance research and training activities, contributing to the development of skilled professionals in this specialised field.
This expansion reflects AIIMS Mangalagiri’s commitment to adopting advanced medical technologies and providing comprehensive, patient-centric care. The institute plans to further strengthen nuclear medicine services with additional therapeutic options and integration of AI for image analysis in the near future.
“These modern facilities bring cutting-edge nuclear medicine closer to the people of Andhra Pradesh. Patients can now receive accurate diagnosis and advanced therapy without the burden of long travel, significantly improving their chances of better outcomes.”
By
HB Team
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