Specialized CT for Cancer Detection

A team of scientists are working to develop new techniques for early cancer detection by using a computed tomography (CT) small-animal imaging system.

Their findings on the Flex preclinical CT system, manufactured by Gamma Medica-Ideas (Oslo, Norway), were published in the October 4, 2005, issue of the Proceedings of the [U.S.] National Academy of Sciences. The group is working to develop an early-stage lung cancer detection technique, one that can detect minuscule lung tumors that are not visible to the human eye. If lung cancer is identified at a very early stage then treatment to stop the disease can begin and the likelihood for recovery is much better.

The research was conducted at the Center for Molecular Imaging Research (CMIR) General Hospital and Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA, USA) The goal of CMIR's research is to develop innovative tools to detect diseases at the molecular level. Molecular level detection allows diseases to be identified much earlier than currently possible and speeds up drug development. Ultimately, it will enable personalized medicine. "To be able to combine specialized pre-clinical CT imaging with our functional imaging capabilities is an important step,” said Dr. Jan Grimm, one of the scientists working on the project.

Gamma Medica-Ideas (GM-I) designs, develops, and manufactures next-generation imaging systems for medicine, medical and biologic research, and for security and safety.





Related Links:
Gamma Medica-Ideas
Center for Molecular Imaging Research (CMIR)