02-04-2025
Willis Knighton Health officials open new Nuclear Oncology Department in Shreveport
Dr. Saul Hertz administered the first distribution of radioactive iodine on March 31, 1941, in Boston. In honor of that groundbreaking invention, a local hospital launched its new cancer center on World Theranostics Day.
Willis Knight Health in Shreveport welcomed the first Nuclear Oncology Department to northwest Louisiana on the 84th anniversary.
"The opening of the nuclear oncology department expands the options for cancer treatment in our community," Jaf Fielder, president and CEO of Willis Knighton Health said.
"This is yet another in a long list of new advanced technologies to enhance cancer treatment for patients at Willis Knighton," Fielder said.
The Cancer Center at Willis Knighton has undergone a $7-million expansion that includes the addition of the newest and most advanced molecular imaging tools in the country.
It has added a second PET/CT scanner and the first GE HealthCare StarGuide SPECT/CT system in Louisiana.
'StarGuide SPECT/CT's innovative technology is a significant contribution to oncology care at Willis Knighton Cancer Center,' said Dr. Ilya Gipp, global clinical oncology leader, GE HealthCare.
The StarGuide SPECT/CT system combines a nuclear medicine single photon emission computed tomography system and a computed tomography system. The system's 12 CZT detector design not only scans patients in 3D to provide more information to clinicians but also is optimized for certain theragnostic procedures, which in turn helps clinicians pinpoint the size, shape and position of lesions with exceptional accuracy.
scan is performed to monitor treatment
isotope is injected to selectively destroy cancer cells
This level of precision reduces the affected area and lessens the risk for side effects.
According to Willis Knighton, this type of scan provides physicians with data to assist in diagnosing, treating and monitoring cancer therapy.
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Willis Knighton Health opens Nuclear Oncology Department in Shreveport
