A PET TO WATCH OUT FOR

The news of a terminal illness can shatter our hearts into a million pieces. For Rinku Datta, the devastating moment arrived when she was told that her beloved mother, at the age of 59, had only a few months left to live. The doctors at a renowned institute in Delhi advised them to take her back home to Assam, extinguishing any flicker of hope they held onto. But deep down, Rinku and her brother clung to a glimmer of faith, yearning for a miracle. And miraculously, a couple of years later, their wheelchair-bound mother rose from her chair and walked on her own two feet. It was a moment that confirmed their miracle had come true, thanks to a beacon of hope named RGCIRC.
In 2007, Mrs. Noni Borgohain sought medical help at RGCIRC. She was suffering from excruciating back pain that rendered her unable to walk. Initially, the doctors suspected bone cancer, but a biopsy revealed that the root cause of her back pain was connected to her thyroid gland, which had been partially removed in a previous surgery. To initiate her treatment with radioactive iodine therapy (RAI), she needed a total excision of the remaining thyroid tissue. RGCIRC stood as one of the few institutions with specialized facilities for such therapy, as it required rigorous regulatory clearances from the Atomic Energy Commission.
Dr. Partha Choudhury, the Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at RGCIRC, highlighted the pioneering spirit that led the institute to establish the Thyroid Ward, dedicated to radionuclide therapy. While the field of iodine therapy had not witnessed significant breakthroughs over the years, RGCIRC had developed differentiated doses of iodine based on the location and spread of the cancer, minimizing side effects for many patients. Additionally, they incorporated biopsy parameters to predict the likelihood of disease recurrence. Surgery remained an essential precursor to RAI, making the expertise of a skilled surgeon crucial in the prognosis of thyroid cancer.
One of the remarkable aspects of thyroid cancers is their operability. Surgeons at high-volume centers like RGCIRC perform total or near-total thyroidectomies, removing 90-99% of the gland while preserving the normal tissue. This surgical approach prevents the remaining thyroid tissue from absorbing the radioactive iodine, allowing patients to receive low-dose iodine therapy with minimal side effects. Mrs. Borgohain underwent six to eight cycles of high-dose radioactive iodine treatment every six months. Gradually, her condition improved, and her pain vanished, ultimately leading her to bid farewell to her wheelchair. The joy radiating from her face spoke volumes, as words became unnecessary to express her gratitude and triumph.
RGCIRC’s Department of Nuclear Medicine has continuously evolved, embracing support and empathy as fundamental pillars of their approach. They have acquired cutting-edge equipment, such as the PET-CT scanner, which revolutionized cancer treatment. Unlike its predecessor, this scanner offered precise imaging of both the functional and anatomical aspects of the body, unveiling disease activity at the cellular level. It provided invaluable staging information, differentiated between malignant and benign tumors, and guided treatment decisions, prognosis, and post-therapy monitoring.

Dr. Choudhury emphasized the transformative impact of PET-CT scans, enabling comprehensive assessments of cancer patients. The scans unveiled the metabolic activity of tumors, aiding in determining their origin, extent of spread, and patient outcomes. However, he reminded us that the interpretation of these scans required experience and expertise. Thousands of scans, countless memories crystallized as experience, had shaped Dr. Choudhury into a humble and unassuming expert, driving the department’s excellence.
Occasionally, doubt and faith intertwine, guiding us through the mysterious twists of life. The journey of Mrs. Borgohain and her family is a testament to the wonders that unfold when hope refuses to dim. Rinku and her brother believed in miracles, and their belief was fortified by the miracles they witnessed at RGCIRC. Their mother’s story radiated a profound sentiment, instilling hope in every visitor who crossed the threshold of the institute.

Today, RGCIRC’s contributions extend beyond thyroid cancer. The Department of Nuclear Medicine has pioneered novel imaging protocols for breast imaging, lymphomas, and brain tumors. Their expertise in PET scans for prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors has garnered international recognition, bridging the gap between patients and accurate diagnoses.
The narrative of Rinku Datta and her mother stands as a beacon of inspiration for those who confront the darkness of despair. It tells us that even in the face of a seemingly insurmountable challenge, there is hope. It reminds us that medical advancements can transform lives, mending shattered dreams and igniting the flame of possibility. Let RGCIRC’s story be etched into our hearts, a testament to the triumph of hope, the power of perseverance, and the infinite potential of the human spirit.