Therapy Techniques Contributed to a Decrease in Cancer Rates

Professional radiology societies in the United States are encouraged by a recent report that credits improved screening techniques and more effective treatment for the noticeable decline in U.S. cancer mortality rates.

The American College of Radiology (ACR; Reston, VA, USA), through its clinical trials research groups, the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), has conducted research in diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy for nearly 40 years and is one of the largest National Cancer Institute- (NCI)-funded clinical research organizations in the country.

The report, called Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, was created by the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. National Cancer Institute, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries.

"The ACR is proud of the research coordinated by our cooperative groups and by other institutions nationwide,” said Arl Van Moore, Jr., M.D., FACR, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors. "We are pleased that these types of research are leading to better diagnostic and radiation therapy techniques, which can help to improve disease detection, and save and extend lives.”

Recently, the ACR launched ACR Image Metrix, a contract research organization, which assists pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers in the anticancer drug development using cutting-edge imaging to assist in the more rapid assessment of new anticancer compounds. "We are very encouraged by this recent report on the drop in cancer deaths and believe that the rapidly-expanding imaging technology and techniques for drug development will only continue to accelerate more anticancer drugs onto the market,” said Mike Morales, general manager for ACR Image Metrix.

The ACR's clinical research programs are among the largest recipients of U.S. medical research grants, and have an established reputation for handling large-scale clinical trials, involving up to 50,000 patients and the processing of some 50 million images. ACR Image Metrix will utilize the same infrastructure and expertise, but will provide support to pharmaceutical firms, biotechnology companies, and medical device manufacturers seeking U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to bring new drugs, therapies, and medical devices to market.


Related Links:
American College of Radiology
ACR Image Metrix