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Archive for the ‘Oncology’ Category

PET scan is feasible for medical prognosis in patients with inoperable lung cancer that have most aggressive tumors: a study report

 

(Courtesy: Mitch Machtay, MD, of the Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals)

Physicians can now easily determine patients that require specific cancer treatment, to manage their medical condition. Lung cancer is one of the prime cause of deaths in the United States.

Unlike other imaging methods (computed tomography etc.) for detailed body structure, a PET scan brings out physiologic processes in organs; chemical activity and metabolic changes in cancer cells can be observed through PET scan; regions of greater intensity through scan let care providers find/locate the disease easily.

Through the technology, care providers can customize treatment for patients with advanced lung cancers, in a better way; the study encompassed patients with stage III lung cancer that had PET scans, before, and after combined treatment course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

In comparison to normal cells, cancerous cells absorb sugar molecules at a higher rate, and show up clearly on PET scans; researchers evaluated FDG (radioactive sugar molecule) uptake in cancer, i.e. how swiftly the tumors absorb radioactive sugar molecules.

Researchers found that patients with higher level of FDG uptake in post treatment scan had more aggressive tumors with likelihood of recurrence. The recurrence rate of cancer was estimated to be more in patients with higher FDG uptake rates than the standard uptake value; such patients usually have lower survival rate than others.

For more details about the thread, and other blogs and stories, stay connected with MedicExchange!

Radiation therapy is feasible for various malignant and benign tumors; a general view!

 

Robotic Radiosurgery System

Radiation oncology, perhaps is not a new terminology for many; yes, it is also known as radiation therapy! The faculty treats disorders, usually cancerous tumors by exposing that to radioactive substance; radiotherapy involves ionizing radiation (X-rays) for cancer control and treatment.

The CyberKnife (robotic radiosurgery system) technology is common for treating various malignant and benign tumors, in a non-invasive manner; with image-guided technology, cancer detection has been made seamlessly possible through robotic radiosurgery system.

During the process, high-dose radiation is delivered to the patient, with greater precision; this cuts down the possibility of neighboring healthy tissues getting damaged of harmful radiation. With increased trend of radiotherapy procedures, the demand for radiation treatment planning/radiation delivery systems has even shown the upward swing, in the healthcare market.

Through various radiation therapy systems, care providers can customize therapy, per varied needs at their health facility; in case of intensity modulated radiation therapy – the intensity of the radiation can be altered during therapy, to spare neighboring (healthy) tissues.

The image-guided radiotherapy ascertains precise treatment delivery to the cancerous region (tumor); this ensues in increased survival rate of the patient. For patient-focused care, if you are looking for some of top-notch vendors/companies in radiosurgery system, then you are at the right place.

We are here to help you make a valid decision on varied high-precision radiosurgery equipment for non-invasive therapy of malignant and benign tumors. (vide: Oncology)

Stay tuned with MedicExchange for various stereotactic radiosurgery products, and other related from the industry majors.

Ovarian/uterine cancer, bladder tumors, prostate cancer – and other irregularities in women and men; get to read, how ultrasound can save them!

 

Sonography/ultrasound is an imaging type, where high-frequency sound waves are manifested for image construction of body organs, for various therapeutic/diagnostic approaches; the technology is commonly used for to monitor and ascertain fetal growth and development (embryo) in pregnant women.

Real-time images are possible through ultrasonography, for – blood flow through vessels, and movement/structure of internal body organs; since, the technology does not involve ionizing radiation, it is safe on pregnant women, over other imaging modalities.

Doppler ultrasound facilitates for evaluation of heart, valves, and blood vessels; ultrasound is extensively used for to image pelvic region, abdomen, to evaluate heart and structures etc.! In case of pelvic ultrasound imaging, the non-invasive technique is used for visualization of organs and structures in the pelvis/lower abdomen.

About transabdominal ultrasound, abdominal organs are examined in detailed, for irregularities; vaginal ultrasound is quite common with females, in gynecology.

Pelvic ultrasound is used for to evaluate the following in women: ovaries, uterus, cervix, bladder, fallopian tubes – for abnormalities, viz. ovarian/uterine cancers etc.! Female pelvic organs/reproductive organs are visualized for follicular development, during therapy; the technology is viable for individuals that are suspected of cysts and other disorders.

Ultrasound is a favorable diagnostic approach for women that have irregular bleeding, menstrual problems, pelvic pain etc.!

In the same manner, for men – transrectal ultrasound is used for detailed visualization of pelvic organs – prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder; the technology is viable for to stage prostate cancer/tumors in men (vide: Oncology).

For both men and women with bladder tumors, kidney stones and other urinary bladder irregularities – pelvic ultrasound is a feasible option, over other imaging modalities.

The ultrasound technology is not limited only to these conditions/irregularities, as has scope beyond that you read here; for more about it, various technology innovations, equipment vendors and related – stay affixed with MedicExchange!

Have an overview, how computed tomography is viable for bowel/colorectal cancer!

 

In Computed tomography, as we know, X-rays are used to scan body organs/tissues, where a computer unit is employed for cross-sectional image (slice) construction. The technology is feasible for a variety of medical conditions; in case of patients with cancer/colorectal polyps, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) is a practicable approach over traditional colonoscopy procedure, for the diagnosis.

Colonoscopy (endoscopic procedure) is commonly used to visualize interior of the colon/large intestine for irregular growths, tissue inflammation, bleeding and ulcers. The large bowel cancer includes cancerous growth on colon, rectum/alimentary canal, appendix; in the U.S., death rate due to colon/colorectal cancer is high, in contrast to other medical conditions.

For patients suspected of cancer/polyps in the large intestine, computed tomography colonography is a feasible approach for early-stage detection of such, so that the tumor could be taken out, prior it develops further.

People that have a family history, or at increased risk of colorectal cancer (malignant disorder) are proposed for an early scan; men and women, 50+ years are even suggested to go for colon cancer/polyps screening, taking expert consultation.

Various medical groups/associations suggest individuals for – CT colonography once in every 5 years, and colonoscopy in every 10 years.

Stay tuned with MedicExchange, for various health related blogs and stories, from the radiology community, and related!

MRI is a practicable approach for chemotherapy response monitoring for breast cancer; know it a bit more!

 

Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging approach, where strong magnetic fields/radio-waves are utilized for cross-sectional images of internal structures and organs of the body.

The technology is practicable for a variety of medical conditions – tumors, cysts, irregularities of the brain/spinal cord, joint injuries, uterine abnormalities etc.

We know already about mammography, for early detection of breast cancers in women, where x-ray is used to identify and locate the tumors, and for irregularities in the female breast.

And, magnetic resonance imaging of the breast, is one of its kind; the technology does not involve ionizing radiation, and is safe for women; it is often used for determination of ruptured silicone breast implants.

An MRI of the breast is feasible for various conditions that other imaging modalities are unable for, though it is an auxiliary tool, and not a substitute for ultrasound imaging or mammography.

For women that have family history of breast cancer, MRI can be an appropriate diagnostic approach; by looking at the family history that any patient has, doctors can determine whether the MRI approach is relevant for them.

For women with a history of lobular carcinoma in situ, a recent study substantiated the effectiveness of breast MRI, as the technology enhanced cancer detection rate in them.

When a patient is newly diagnosed with breast cancer, the extent of cancer and its effect on underlying muscles can be determined with an MRI; for other cancers in the same and opposite breast are even possible through it; cancer spread can be ascertained through irregular lymph node in the underarm.

Irregularities shown on other imaging modalities, when cannot be sufficiently assessed, singly, an MRI facilitates for to surely establish the results for biopsies and related.

In most of the cases with chemotherapy for breast cancer, an MRI is often utilized for to assess effectiveness of the therapy to ascertain presence of tumor, after the process.

For more about various imaging modalities, new medical innovations, technology vendors and related – stay connected with MedicExchange!

Mammography has been proved a vital diagnostic/screening tool for early detection of breast cancer; annual mammogram is recommended for women – 40+ years, and with family history!

 

Mammography is a diagnostic approach that uses X-ray to identify and locate breast tumors, and other irregularities of the breast; here breast tissues are examined for abnormalities that any women have in their breasts. Lumps, nipple discharge, pain are some of the symptoms that show out to irregularities in the female breast.

Two different types of mammographic approaches are in practice, viz. full-field digital mammography and screen-film mammography.

For women with no symptoms, mammography is a practicable approach for early detection of breast cancer, as they they get to treat it well in advance; better computer images are being made possible through full-field digital mammography that uses low-radiation dose for precise diagnosis of medical conditions of the breast.

The process is comfortable, and patients are less exposed to the radiation; mammography is significant in cancer detection, to ascertain condition of the breast, even before a lump is felt by a woman.

Medical/health associations over the globe have already suggested for annual mammograms, for women of 40 years and beyond, and others with family history that are at high-risk of getting affected of one.

Women with curable phase of cancer, when the tumor is small enough to be felt/recognized by, can benefit through a mammogram, but, since the technology involves ionizing radiation, pregnant women are always suggested by experts to check with their physicians, prior they go for one.

Regular mammogram, abiding with recommendations and screening guidelines of care providers is to be always considered, to be on the safer side.

For women that are perplexed about diagnostic performance of thermography, we reiterate, it is not a substitute for mammography, and not recommended even by U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and various medical associations.

Healthcare units that are devoid of technology for mammography screening can always opt for mammography imaging services, available easily from various companies.

Besides, for new and refurbished mammography devices (2D, 3D and related), they can always trust some of top-notch mammography equipment manufacturers that are available in the sector.

Stay affixed with MedicExchange for more details about suppliers and vendors that deal in mammography equipment, to benefit on.

Hand-held units have no longer remained inaccessible for poor countries, for cancer detection – courtesy, Michigan State University that has come with one.

 

Syed Hashsham, civil and environmental engineering, Michigan State University has come up with this inexpensive cancer detection technology (Gene-Z), in collaboration with Jim Tiedje and Erdogan Gulari.

Nations that have confined resources to support doctors for diagnosis of cancer will get benefited the most through this, asserts, Hashsham.

The Gene-Z device can be operated through an Android-based tablet, or an iPod Touch – that performs genetic evaluation on microRNAs and other genetic markers.

microRNAs obstruct generation of specific protein by adhering to, and destructing the messenger RNA, which would have generated the protein; these single-stranded molecules modulate genes; specific changes to microRNAs are associated to cancer and other health issues.

Due to lack of enough resources to screen cancer, death-rate due to cancer and other grave disorders are quite common in developing countries; early detection of cancer through these diagnostic approaches will help patients have timely care and treatment. (vide: Oncology)

Gene-Z is feasible for to screen demonstrated markers of cancer, in a reasonable manner; the hand-held device runs on battery and solar-power, and overcome the issue of confined resources that poorer countries usually have.

Swift cancer screening, and well-timed therapy is the need of this hour, for every other patient; the Michigan State University is even looking at more such cost-effective solutions for cancer diagnosis and various other disorders, for developing countries that have limited resources to manage expensive devices.

Other to cancer detection, Gene-Z from Hashsham is even practicable for – usual and drug-immune tuberculosis; for HIV virus levels during therapy, and to check total antibiotic drug endurance, to name a few.

For more on Gene-Z, and other technology innovations and stories, stay attached with MedicExchange!

MRI evaluation of tumor regression grade and circumferential resection margin prefigure survival outcomes – for extra therapy options prior conclusive surgery.

 

The medical research was contributed by Gina Brown (MBBS, MD, FRCR, Dept of Radiology, The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom) and associates.

In neoadjuvant therapy (pre-surgery), therapeutic agents are administered before the main treatment; the research objective was to evaluate pathologic staging and MRI after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer.  (Courtesy: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

About 111 patients with rectal cancer that were treated with therapeutic agents prior the main course enrolled this prospective cohort study; they were evaluated for pathology staging and MRI by T, N and circumferential resection margin status.

Tumor regression grade was even evaluated by MRI; through with Kaplan–Meier estimates, overall survival was appraised.

Cox model was put in use for affiliations amid staging of poor and good responders on survival outcomes and MRI/pathology, after checking for patient characteristics.

MRI-evaluated tumor regression grade hazard ratios were severally substantial for the endurance level, on multivariate analysis; pre-operative MR-indicated circumferential resection margin autonomously prefigured local recurrence; five-year survival for various stages were evaluated.

Conclusion: MRI evaluation of tumor regression grade and circumferential resection margin are imaging markers that prefigure survival outcomes for poor and good responders, for extra therapy options prior planning conclusive surgery.

Whether full-field digital or screen-film mammography – the technology is contributing a lot to women, for early-stage breast cancer detection and therapy!

 

Mammography is a diagnostic procedure that makes use of X-ray technology for to diagnose and locate breast tumors and other irregular masses of the breast; the medical imaging technology through mammograms of internal breast structures ensure for any abnormality, in it.

Women with early treatable phase of breast cancer, where the tumor is small to be be felt or recognized through other means, can get benefited through a mammogram. Various medical professional associations even recommend for mammography over other diagnostic approaches for diagnosis of breast cancer, and related disorders.

Mammography is feasible for early identification of breast cancer, and women should go for regular mammogram, abiding with screening guidelines and recommendations of care providers. (vide: Oncology)

Women that are confused over diagnostic performance of thermography over mammography, should not remain puzzled over it; thermography is not a replacement for mammography, and not even suggested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and various medical associations.

Two different types of mammographic approaches are in practice, viz. full-field digital mammography and screen-film mammography.

In the former, with a full-field approach, the x-radiations are passed by the breast, onto an image receptor; the scanner transforms information to the digital format, where it is conveyed to the monitor and/or the printing device, for the copies.

On the other, in case of screen-film mammography, x-radiations are passed through the breast, over to the cassette – comprised of screen/film, which requires to be developed by.

Since the device utilizes x-ray technology for breast imaging, small-dose radiation exposure to the patient is common; the hazards related with radiation exposure get outbalanced by the gains of mammography for early-stage breast cancer detection.

There has specific guidelines for mammography equipment, radiation dose, image quality etc., under the Mammography Quality Standards Act, so as to control quality of care.

For more on mammography-specific, and other Healthcare blogs, stay connected with MedicExchange!

For patients with inoperable liver cancer that are not responding to chemotherapy, 90Y Radioembolization is a feasible solution: study corroborates

 

The study was contributed by: Riad Salem, M.D., M.B.A., a professor of radiology and director of interventional oncology at Northwestern University in Chicago; and Daniel E. Wertman Jr., M.D., co-chief of interventional radiology and an assistant professor of clinical radiology at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis.

Liver tumors get blood supply through hepatic artery, while liver draws most through the portal vein, and 90Y radioembolization takes advantage of the very same. (Courtesy: RSNA)

Microspheres cover the tumors, and since they focus at the tumors, limited damage to neighboring normal tissue occurs.

About 151 patients with mean age of 63 years were examined through that reported with metastatic cancer, with spread to their livers, not responding to chemotherapy. (vide: Oncology)

Patients were passed through (from 2006-2010) two 90Y radioembolization sessions, with a time gap of five weeks; each of them received about 120 gy, and researchers tracked their progress for nine months, and every six months then after.

About 96% of events associated to the treatment were mild; no unanticipated/adverse events were observed; survival rate varied per cancer origin; in comparison to patients with colorectal cancer, patients that had neuroendocrine tumors endured well.

Comprehensive treatment plan is vital for the success of 90Y radioembolization; utilization of CT for tumor volume and angiography for blood supply to the tumor is fundamental; for patients with dismal hope, radioembolization can bring in fresh hope.

Surgery can be first option for only 10-20% of hepatocellular carcinomas; without surgical procedures, the disease will become fatal for the patients.

90Y radioembolization delay off liver breakdown, and enhance quality of life, of the patients; it is even plausible for patients for liver improvement that are up for liver transplants.

Through number of prospective trials, 90Y radioembolization has been considered apt for metastatic disease in the liver, when chemotherapy has fallen through; the treatment is secure, least toxic than other, and effective.

The treatment in combination with systemic agents show better response rates, and enhanced survival rate; further study is on of 90Y with other care standards.