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Optimized radiation for prostate cancer therapy
In a cooperative study with Innsbruck Medical University and the
East-Vienna Center of Social Medicine, two physicists of Vienna
University of Technology (TU), evaluated the mean deviation of radiation
parameters for prostate cancers and compared various sources of
radiation. 23 October 2008 Deutsch
New study examines effectiveness of
colorectal cancer screening tests
New findings from a Decision Analysis for the US Preventative Services
Task Force (USPSTF) suggest that routine colorectal cancer screenings
can be stopped in patients over the age of 75. The results are based on
patients who began screenings at age 50 and have had consistently
negative screenings up to the age of 75. 16 October 2008
Optics meets medicine at US Optical
Society meeting
A few of the many technical highlights to be discussed at the meeting: a
new look at mini-strokes; a potential new tool for brain surgeons; new
technique for mapping blood supply in retina increases safety and
comfort of exams; the optics of Alzheimer's disease; potential
non-invasive optical detection of pancreatic cancer; the neuron
microscope, treating bone cancer and futuristic lighting at FiO. 16
October 2008
Website to help prostate cancer
specialists make better treatment choices
A free online computer tool, the CaP Calculator, provides cancer
specialists access to the latest prostate cancer research and helps them
better individualise each patient’s treatment options. 6 October 2008
New imaging technique for rare thyroid
cancer
A new imaging approach for identifying a rare form of thyroid cancer
that is typically hard to diagnose has been developed by researchers at
the University of Iowa. 6 October 2008
bioMérieux to develop non-invasive
test for prostate cancer
French in vitro diagnostics company bioMérieux has signed a license and
development agreement with German biotechnology company ProteoSys for
its novel prostate cancer marker Annexin 3, which will be used to
develop a urine-based, confirmatory diagnostic test for prostate cancer.
2 October 2008 Francais
GE Healthcare gains FDA approval for
diagnostic imaging agent for detecting neuroendocrine tumours
GE Healthcare's AdreView is a molecular imaging agent that provides high
quality images that allow physicians to detect tumours, both at the time
of initial diagnosis and at later examinations when relapse or
recurrence is suspected. 28 September 2008
RapidArc image-guided radiotherapy
treating tumours of the head and neck
Cancer treatment centres in the United States and the Netherlands are
now treating head and neck cancer using RapidArc radiotherapy technology
from Varian Medical Systems. 23 September 2008
New technology for manufacturing
radioisotopes for cancer diagnostic imaging
Newly-developed technology at the Delft University of Technology in the
Netherlands could prevent global shortages of radio isotopes for cancer
diagnosis. 18 September 2008
Cryopreservation can restore fertility for women cancer victims
Advances in cryopreservation are increasing hope of restoring fertility
for women after diseases such as ovarian cancer that lead to destruction
of reproductive tissue. 18 September 2008
RapidArc radiotherapy technology now
treating tumours of the head and neck
Doctors at cancer treatment centres in the United States and the
Netherlands are now treating head and neck cancer using RapidArc
radiotherapy technology from Varian Medical Systems. 17 September 2008
US National Cancer Institute signs up to
Thomson Reuters' BIOMARKERcenter.
The National Cancer Institute's Developmental Therapeutics program and
the associated Biomarker Program will integrate BIOMARKERcenter into its
programme to investigate novel chemical and biological agents for their
potential to improve cancer therapeutics. 12 September 2008
Francais
Español
Report: Top
20 cancer therapy brands
Cancer therapy brand sales totaled over $30 billion in the seven major
markets in 2007, growing by 20.1% since 2006. The high growth of this
market makes it attractive to companies keen to emulate the blockbuster
status achieved by several brands. However, with several impending
patent expiries due, companies will need to work hard to maximize their
return throughout the lifecycle of their brands. 9 September 2008
Diagnostic imaging tests across Europe
disrupted by isotope shortage
The closure of three European nuclear reactors producing medical isotopes is
causing a worldwide shortage of the isotopes and limiting European hospitals
to between 20% and 40% of their usual nuclear medicine activities, the
European Association of Nuclear Medicine has warned. 8 September 2008
DNA technology shows high sensitivity for
colorectal cancer from stool sample
EXACT Sciences Corporation (NASDAQ: EXAS) has announced the results of a
study that showed that improved 'BEAMing DNA' detection technology
demonstrated 92% sensitivity for detecting colotectal cancer from stool
samples. 27 August 2008
iCAD records revenue growth of 73%
Computer-aided cancer detection systems supplier iCAD, Inc. has announced
announced record revenue of $10.5 million for the second, quarter of 2008 up
73% over last year. 1 August 2008
Three Novalis Tx radiosurgery platforms
ordered by Danish cancer hospital
Varian Medical Systems and BrainLAB AG have announced that one of
Scandinavia’s leading cancer centres has ordered three Novalis Tx
radiosurgery platforms which combine the most advanced technologies from
both companies to offer superior non-invasive radiosurgery for patients. 30
July 2008
Varian ranked first in oncology IT vendors
Varian Medical Systems was ranked the leading supplier in its class in an
independent study released by KLAS, a research firm that specialises in
monitoring and reporting on the performance of healthcare vendors. 16 July
2008
Colonoscopies to check for bowel cancer under
used in Germany
Under 2% of persons aged over 55 in Germany use colonoscopies for
early detection of cancer, even though the statutory health insurance
funds have covered the costs since 2002. 5 July 2008
Carbon nanotubes attached to antibodies
kill cancer cells under infrared light
Carbon nanotubes attached to monoclonal antibodies that target specific
sites on lymphoma cells can kill the cells by heating up when exposed to
near-infrared light. 25 June 2008
Is low radiation good for health?
An article published in the International Journal of Low Radiation
claims that short-term low doses of radiation are good for health through
boosting the immune system and increasing antibody production. The author
also claims that humans can be deficient in radiation. 19 June 2008
Image-guided radiotherapy unveiled at
Dijon cancer hospital
The Georges-François Leclerc Cancer Center in Dijon, France has installed a
Varian Medical Systems Trilogy linear accelerator, which will enable it to
provide image-guided stereotactic treatments. 19 June 2008
Wavelets speed up diagnosis of brain
tumours
Researchers at the University of Warwick have devised an automated technique
that can give a preliminary analysis of a precise brain tumour type within
seconds. 17 June 2008
Lung cancer in Europe not prioritised
despite poor survival rates
The fragmented organisation and management of lung cancer diagnosis and care
in many European countries are exacerbating already poor survival rates
amongst patients with the disease, according to a report from a group of
leading Swedish researchers. 6 June 2008
Identification of prostate cancer genes
opens door to new treatments
For the first time researchers have identified the genetic profile of
prostate cancer stem cells. The study by the YCR Cancer Research Unit at the
University of York, England, and Pro-cure Therapeutics Ltd, could lead to
new ways for treating the cancer. 22 May 2008
Danish and Dutch hospitals first in Europe
to use Varian's RapidArc radiotherapy
Cancer patients at Copenhagen’s Rigshospitalet and Amsterdam’s VU University
medical centre have benefited from Varian's advanced form of
intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). 18 May 2008
Record demand for Varian's RapidArc
radiotherapy treatment
Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) has announced it has received more than
60 orders for its new RapidArc radiotherapy product for faster image-guided
intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). 29 April 2008
CyberKnife delivers high dose
brachytherapy for prostate cancer non-invasively
The CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system can serve as a non-invasive means
for delivering high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy dosing, according to a new
study. The study supports the system's clinical flexibility in treating
prostate cancer and expands the non-invasive options available to clinicians
and patients. 18 April 2008
MRI can non-invasively characterise brain
tumours
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology has the potential to
non-invasively characterise tumours and determine which of them may be
responsive to specific forms of treatment, based on their specific molecular
properties. 24 March 2008
Axellis announces 'global expansion' with
three acquisitions
Axellis Ltd, a UK and US based medical technology company, has announced
three acquisitions, which it says are part of a strategy to become a
leading, global provider of specialist hardware and software solutions to
optimise treatments in oncology and cardiology. 19 March 2008
New breast cancer test uses magnetic
nanoparticles to detect cancer cells
A team from University College London has developed a new medical device
called the ‘HistoMag’ that will make the early detection of breast cancer
more accurate, cost effective and easier to administer. 10 March 2008
DNA test for assessing risk of prostate
cancer
deCODE genetics has launched a test that can identify genetic markers
associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. The company believes the
test will better predict the risk of prostate cancer and help to optimize
both screening and treatment. 20 February 2008
Royal Marsden Hospital completes world's
first VMAT radiotherapy treatment
The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, UK, successfully completed the first
volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) radiation treatment for cancer in
the world using a commercial product. 18 February 2008
US representatives call for more funding
for prostate cancer research
Prostate cancer has become more common than breast cancer, yet advanced
diagnostic imaging technologies comparable to mammograms remain unavailable.
Over 20 US representatives have urged the US Department of Health and Human
Services and National Institutes of Health to urgently fund research into
the disease. 18 February 2008
Elekta signs brachytherapy sales sharing
agreement with Xoft
Elekta will share identified sales opportunities for Xoft's Axxent electonic
brachytherapy system in the radiation oncology market. The companies will
also explore other areas of collaboration. 8 February 2008
US oncology group aims to revolutionise
cancer care with free online service
A website set up by Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) in the US aims to
change the way oncology professionals prescribe chemotherapy to cancer
patients. 30 January 2008
An invitation to Europe’s largest forum on
breast cancer
The 6th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-6) will be held in Berlin
15-19 April 2008
UK strategy to improve cancer services
The UK government has published a five-year cancer strategy focussing on
prevention and improving services. The report identifies the need to tackle
the serious shortage of radiotherapy capacity and radiographers, delays in
uptake of new cancer drugs and the need to encourage the spread of improved
surgical techniques. 15 January 2007
First annual pan-Asian computerised
tomographic colonography congress
Leading radiology experts from China, Korea, Japan and the UK have draw up
plans this week for the first ever pan-Asia computerised tomographic
colonography (CTC) Congress. 13 December
Varian image-guided radiotherapy selected
for Portsmouth hospital
The new Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, UK, will receive four
high-energy Clinac iX linear accelerators supplied by Varian Medical
Systems. They will be equipped with on-board imager devices for advanced
image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) treatments. 12 December
 Miniaturised,
low-cost device to monitor radiation exposure during radiotherapy
A team from the University of Granada (UGR) and the Hospital Virgen de las
Nieves has developed a portable and low-cost device which can measure the
ionizing radiation a patient is exposed to during, for example,
radiotherapy. 18 November 2007 Varian
improves brachytherapy treatment
Varian Medical Systems has the iX range of advanced afterloaders that
simplify high dose rate brachytherapy delivery and optimise treatment of
cancer patients. 2 November Ultrasound
diagnostic tool could improve non-invasive treatment of prostate cancer
HistoScanning, a novel processing technology for ultrasonography could
improve the treatment and monitoring of prostate cancer and help avoid
unnecessary invasive procedures. 17 October 2007
Elekta launches compact linear accelerator
Elekta has unveiled the Elekta Compact, a linear accelerators with a single
low-energy photon beam and a small footprint, designed for use in a small
treatment room and in specialized markets. 26 September 2007
IMAGNA to develop therapeutic vaccine
against cat fibrosarcoma
The IMAGNA consortium is to study the usefulness of therapeutic tumour
vaccination by magnetofection technology in a clinical study in cats with
fibrosarcoma. Preliminary results indicate significant reduction in tumour
relapse rates. 24 September Laser scan
of veins detects cancer
Technology that can detect tumour cells by scanning surface veins with a
laser, eliminating the need for drawing blood, has been developed by Purdue
University researchers. 20 September 2007
 Successful
trial of optical imaging of tissue during cancer surgery
The tests, performed on cancerous and precancerous human oesophagus
and lymph node tissue, were designed to establish the potential for
MDL’s optical imaging technology to revolutionise cancer surgery. 13
September 2007
im3D's CAD-Colon diagnostic system
deployed in hospitals across Italy
im3D Medical Imaging Lab, a research centre based in Torino, Italy has
installed its diagnostic system in thirteen healthcare facilities. It is
being used to support medical specialists in the early diagnosis and
prevention of colorectal tumours. 12 September 2007
Novel cell culture technique shows tumours
selectively uptake nanoparticles
A novel cell-culture technique devised by scientists at The University of
Nottingham has shown that nanoparticles can deliver drugs selectively to
brain tumour cells. 12 September 2007
MRI beats mammography in detecting
early-stage breast cancer
A study by researchers at the University of Bonn has shown that magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) is more accurate than mammography in diagnosing very
early stages of breast cancer. 21 August 2007
 Compact
proton accelerator could revolutionise radiotherapy
The prospect of more widely available proton radiation therapy has moved
closer with the development of a compact device called a dielectric wall
accelerator (DWA) that could fit in standard treatment rooms and allow
modulation for more precise treatment. 3 August 2007.
First US hospital to use Gamma Knife
Perfexion to treat brain tumours
The Washington Hospital Healthcare System will be the first hospital outside
of Europe to treat brain tumour patients using the new incision-free Leksell
Gamma Knife Perfexion from Swedish company Elekta. 15 June 2007
InSightec receives EU approval for
treating bone cancer pain with focused ultrasound
The ExAblate 2000 system, produced by InSightec Ltd., has received the
European CE Mark certification for pain palliation of bone metastases. 13
June 2007
GE to supply digital mammography units to
Irish breast screening programme
GE Healthcare is supplying 13 full field digital mammography (FFDM) units to
BreastCheck in Ireland, part of the Irish National Cancer Screening Service.
7 June 2007
Antwerp radiotherapy centre chooses
TomoTherapy cancer treatment system
The new University Radiotherapy Centre of Antwerp has chosen the TomoTherapy
Hi·Art treatment system for providing radiation therapy, and the Centre will
serve as a European training facility for TomoTherapy. 7 June 2007
GE Healthcare and IntrinsiQ to integrate
cancer treatment system with patient records
GE Healthcare and cancer care software supplier IntrinsiQ, LLC are to
collaborate to integrate IntrinsiQ's cancer treatment information system
with GE's Centricity electronic medical record (EMR) system. 7 June 2007
 Invendo
demonstrates sedationless colonoscopy
invendo medical GmbH demonstrated a live screening colonoscopy using its
sedation-free colonoscope, the invendoscope, in Berlin in May. The device is
aimed at the large number of people who avoid colonoscopy because of the
discomfort of the examination. 6 June 2007
New device disrupts cancer cell growth
with electric fields
A medical device that can specifically target rapidly growing cancer cells
with intermediate frequency electrical fields more than doubled the survival
rates in early trials of patients with a brain tumour, and with virtually no
adverse effects. 5 June 2007
Varian radiotherapy systems for three
Danish hospitals
Hospitals in Herlev, Copenhagen and Naestved will receive state-of-the-art
radiotherapy equipment, software and networking systems from Varian Medical
Systems. 22 May 2007
Trial of one-dose radiation therapy for
breast cancer
Doctors at University College London Hospitals (UCL) are leading a trial of
a technique to reduce radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer from several
weeks to one 30-minute session during surgery. 20 May 2007
Call for mass screening in Europe to
prevent 200,000 deaths from colon cancer
Leading European scientists, physicians and politicians have called for
national action plans across Europe to screen for colon cancer and prevent
the 200,000 unnecessary deaths each year. Virtually all colon and rectal
cancers can be either prevented or cured, yet little effective action has
been taken since screening was recommended in 2003. 19 May 2007
Español
Francais
Report on developing radiotherapy services
in England
The report says there is still a need to increase services to meet current
and future demand, there should be greater choice and there is a need for
more community-based services. 17 May 2007
RaySearch Laboratories to develop
radiotherapy software for Varian
RaySearch will develop advanced radiation therapy treatment planning
software for integration into Varian’s Eclipse treatment planning system. 15
May 2007
Treating colorectal cancer with
lymphocytes is alternative to chemotherapy
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered a new method
of treating advanced colorectal cancer without the need for chemotherapy. By
removing special lymphocytes (white blood cells), cultivating them and
returning them to the patient's body, scientists can strengthen the
patient's immune defence and stop the spread of the tumour. 13 May 2007
CT screening for lung cancer does not
increase survival
A US-Italian study of the use of computed tomography (CT) to screen current
or former smokers for lung cancer has found that screening did not reduce
deaths from lung cancer. Screening found more than three times as many lung
cancers and ten times as many surgeries were performed, but there was no
effect on survival rate. 29 March 2007
Memmingen cancer clinic first in Germany
to offer image-guided radiotherapy
Klinikum Memmingen in Bavaria has begun treating cancer patients with a new,
more precise form of radiotherapy using a linear accelerator and special
on-board imager accessory from Varian Medical Systems. 26 March 2007
New partnerships to trial optical
coherence tomography for cancer identification
Two UK hospitals have teamed up with Michelson Diagnostics Ltd to test the
use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the rapid identification of
cancers as an alternative to biopsies. 7 March 2007
Misonix expands distribution of ultrasound
surgical devices in Europe. 21 February 2007
Image-guided radiosurgery system for new
Dublin hospital
The newly opened Beacon Hospital in Sandyford, Dublin has ordered Europe’s
first Trilogy Tx image-guided radiosurgery system from Varian Medical
Systems. 7 Feb 2007
Swedish Cancer Institute first to offer
organ-motion tracking for precision-treatment of prostate cancer
The Seattle-based Institute is the first to offer prostate cancer treatment
with the Calypso 4D Localization System for precision-guided radiation
therapy with organ-motion tracking, giving the ability to pinpoint a
prostate tumour's location with greater accuracy and reduced side-effects. 5
Feb 2007
Gamma camera detects small breast tumours
The new technique, called molecular breast imaging, can complement
mammography but will be much more comfortable for women as less pressure is
needed for imaging. 19 Dec 2006
Aarhus hospital pioneers image-guided
brachytherapy for gynaecological cancers. 6 Dec 2006
Elekta wins 30-year contract to equip new
UK cancer centre. 1 Dec 2006
Nucletron and RaySearch cooperate to
develop proton therapy planning software
The companies have signed a long-term development and license agreement that
will result in a new proton treatment planning and optimization module that
will be fully integrated in Nucletron's Oncentra MasterPlan software. 28 Nov
2006
Software to predict risk of breast cancer
returning after treatment
Doctors have created a computer tool to predict the risk of breast cancer
returning in the same breast in women who have had breast conserving
surgery. 14 Nov 2006
Philips introduces new MR simulator and CT
applications. 8 Nov 2006
Precisely targeted cancer treatment for
East Netherlands
The Medische Spectrum Twente (MST)hospital in Enschede, east Netherlands has
installed the country's first On-Board Imager (OBI) device for image-guided
radiotherapy. The device can reduce treatment margins to within 2mm-3mm
accuracy, allowing clinicians to focus a higher radiation dose on the
tumour. 2 Nov 2006
Detecting skin cancer by sound waves
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have developed a
technique to detect the spread of skin cancer cells through the blood by
listening to their sound. The minimally invasive technique uses a laser to
make the melanoma cells emit ultrasound noise. 30 October 2006
Misonix expands high intensity focused
ultrasound business to Spain
30 October 2006
Combination of radiation therapies more
effective treatment for prostate cancer
Studies have shown that a combination of different radiotherapeutic methods
are able to increase the efficacy of radiation for prostate cancer at an
early stage. Combined hormone and radiation therapy has also been shown to
benefit prostate cancer patients if they have a high risk of disease
progression. 27 Oct 2006
Computer-aided detection of mammograms
improves breast cancer screening
In screening mammograms for breast cancer, the performance of
radiologists using computer aided detection (CAD) was superior to double
reading, according to a recently published UK study. 18 October 2006
Pioneering image-guided radiotherapy at
university hospital of Leuven, Belgium
The hospital UZ Gasthuisberg has installed the new type of cancer treatment
supplied by Varian Medical Systems. It enables patients to receive more
precise radiotherapy using X-ray imaging during treatment to locate and
focus beams more closely on tumours. 7 Oct 2006
Varian Medical Systems to equip Genk
Cancer Clinic in Belgium
A new radiotherapy centre that will provide patients in the north-east of
Belgium with greater access to advanced cancer treatments will be equipped
with Varian Medical Systems’ integrated and automated treatment equipment
and software. 19 Sept 2006
Mount Vernon Cancer Centre selects Ziehm
mobile C-arm. 18 Sept 2006
Varian supports new UK radiography
training centre.
Varian has donated ten Eclipse treatment planning systems to the new Saad
Centre for Radiography Clinical Skills Education at London’s City
University. 15 Sept 2006
Cancer Patients in Western Australia to
benefit from Varian's state-of-the-art radiotherapy treatment. 28 August
2006
Heidelberg clinic first in Germany to
offer TomoTherapy radiotherapy treatment. 22 August 2006
Philips' new tumour mapping software paves
way for adaptive radiation therapy
Royal Philips Electronics has released new software that reduces the time it
takes to contour tumours and anatomical structures. This is a crucial aid in
adapting image-guided radiation therapy to patients' treatment plans based
on their response to daily treatment. 17 August 2006
Cromwell Hospital first in UK to order
Elekta's new stereotactic radiosurgery system. 9 August 2006
Malaysian cancer centre offers
high-precision radiotherapy with Varian's Trilogy accelerator
The NCI Cancer Hospital in Nilai can now offer the latest in high-precision
radiotherapy techniques, including intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT),
image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery. 26 July 2006
Imaging technology identifies compounds
that can fight tumours
Using a newly developed drug screen and combining molecular imaging
techniques with human cancer cell culture, researchers at the University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered small-molecule compounds
that can perform the functions of a tumour-killing gene commonly mutated in
many types of cancer. 21 July 2006
First patient treated with Elekta's new
non-invasive radiotherapy system for brain tumours
The Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion from Swedish company Elekta has for the
first time been used clinically to treat patients at Hôpital
de la Timone (University Hospital La Timone) in Marseille, France. 17 July
2006
Varian oncology software benchmarked by UK
Health Service
Varian Medical Systems’ medical oncology software for integrated
chemotherapy e-prescribing and pharmacy dispensing has performed strongly in
a benchmark test against a national specification by the UK’s National
Health Service. 10 July 2006
Bristol Hospital offers Sonablate prostate
cancer treatment on fee-per-use basis
Southmead Hospital, part of North Bristol NHS Trust in England, will offer
high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of prostate cancer using
the Sonablate 500 on a fee-per-use basis, joining 40 sites in the UK that
can make the treatment more widely available. 5 July 2006
Ipswich Hospital pilots image-guided
radiotherapy to improve breast cancer treatment
The study will examine the feasibility of using image guided radiotherapy
for post-lumpectomy breast cancer patients. IGRT improves imaging of the
cancer site at the time of treatment and can track and adjust for tumour
motion caused by the patient. 23 June 2006
Italian National Cancer Institute chooses
Ablatherm-HIFU to treat prostate cancer
The Italian National Cancer Institute, Centro Referimento Oncologico (CRO),
in cooperation with Pordenone Hospital in Aviano has chosen the
Ablatherm-HIFU technology from EDAP TMS S.A. for the treatment of prostate
cancer. 23 May 2006
Accuray reports growing acceptance of
CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system
Accuray Incorporated has announced that spinal tumour treatments with its
radiosurgery system grew more than 75% over the last year. The company has
also announced the first installations of CyberKnife in Greece and Vietnam.
9 May 2006
Ten years of high intensity focused
ultrasound treatment for prostate cancer
EDAP presented 10-year Ablatherm - HIFU European experiences and a review of
results of treatments dating back to 1995 at a special dedicated symposium
during the European Association of Urology conference in Paris, 5-8 April.
23 April 2006
 Implantable
wireless device for measuring radiation dose in tumours
Engineers at Purdue University are creating a wireless device the size of a
rice grain that could be implanted in tumours to tell doctors the precise
dose of radiation received and locate the exact position of tumours during
treatment. 19 April 2006
Four TomoTherapy Systems for German
universities
The German Research Association (DFG) plans to install four TomoTherapy
Hi-Art Systems in major universities in Germany later this year. 31 January
2006
Varian to equip new Oxford cancer
centre in 31-year PFI contract
Varian Medical Systems has been selected to equip the new unit at Oxford
Churchill Hospital in one of Europe's largest PFI (private finance
initiative) projects. 31 January 2006
RISO receives first twinned TomoTherapy
systems in Netherlands
The
Radiotherapeutisch Instituut Stedendriehoek en Omstreken,
in Deventer, Netherlands will receive two twinned TomoTherapy Hi·Art Systems
systems to provide advanced radiation therapy treatment. 28 January 2006
Robotic prostatectomy protects sexual
function
A year-long study by Henry Ford Hospital found patients who underwent a
robotic radical prostatectomy had significantly better erectile function
outcomes than those who received conventional nerve-sparing surgery without
compromising cancer control. 11 January 2006
GE Healthcare to distribute optical
imaging agent for bladder cancer
PhotoCure ASA of Norway has granted GE Healthcare rights to market and
distribute PhotoCure’s product Hexvix (hexaminolevulinate), an optical
molecular imaging agent intended for the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder
cancer. 10 January 2006
Liver tumours treated effectively by
MR-guided laser ablation
Destruction of cancerous liver tissue by laser light guided by magnetic
resonance (MR) imaging was found to be as effective as traditional surgery
in a Germany study. 20 December 2005
Tactile sensing device for documenting
clinical breast exams
Medical Tactile, Inc. (MTI) has announced the start of commercial sales of
its first product, the SureTouch Visual Mapping System. 19 December 2005
Chinese breast cancer program selects
iCAD computer-aided detection system. 12 December 2005
England's cancer research network
chooses data-management system for clinical trials
The National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) has selected Medidata Solutions'
Rave software to manage data for initially eight and up to 250 clinical
trials. 12 December 2005
More sensitive imaging system for
detecting breast cancer
Trials conducted at Duke University with several mastectomy and patient
cases suggest that the new tomosynthesis system is able to detect subtle
mass lesions otherwise difficult to pick up with standard mammography. 12
December 2005
Suros Breast Biopsy system gains EC
approval
Suros Surgical Systems has received European approval for its ATEC breast
biopsy and excision system and ATEC TriMark biopsy site identification
system. 9 December 2005
Siemens Medical Solutions to distribute
Nucletron oncology system worldwide
Dutch company Nucletron BV and Siemens Medical Solutions have announced a
worldwide distribution agreement for Nucletron's Oncentra MasterPlan.
30 November 2005
Next-generation surgical robot for
therapeutic radiology unveiled
Accuray has launched the latest generation of its intelligent robotic
radiosurgery system, CyberKnife. It combines image-guidance technology
and computer-controlled robotics to deliver sub-millimetre radiosurgery. 13
November 2005
Oncology information system for
paperless and filmless cancer clinics
The ARIA Oncology Information Management System, is a new real-time
management system and database product from Varian Medical Systems for
operating filmless and paperless cancer clinics that offer radiation
therapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery. 5 November 2005
Radiofrequency ablation of breast
cancer cells reduces need for further surgery
A clinical trial conducted at the University of Arkansas Cancer Research
Center has found that radiofrequency ablation (RFA)-assisted lumpectomy
reduced the need for re-excision for inadequate margins following lumpectomy
by 86%. 30 October 2005
Breast cancer diagnosis improved by
combining near-infrared imaging with ultrasound
Combining optical tomography, using near infrared light, with standard
ultrasound imaging can help distinguish early-stage breast cancer from
non-cancerous lesions, and potentially reduce the number of breast biopsies
performed. 4 October 2005
New radiation therapy may improve
breast cancer survival rates
Intraoperative Radiation Treatment (IORT) is a new radiation therapy that
may improve the local control of breast cancer significantly. It can
preserve the breast and may also reduce the spread of the disease. 4 October
2005
Varian's first Trilogy linear
accelerator in Europe installed in Lisbon clinic
Varian Medical Systems has scored a European first with the installation of
its Trilogy medical linear accelerator at the Clinica Quadrantes in Lisbon.
The accelerator will enable doctors at the clinic to offer cancer patients
more targeted treatments using new methods. 4 October 2005
Screening of lung cancer with CT scans
may save many lives
A new international study shows that early detection of lung cancer for the
highest-risk patients could mean the difference between life and death. 97%
of tumours found through CT scans, in non-symptomatic patients, are
potentially curable with surgery alone. 29 September 2005
CAD software improves detection of
breast cancer
Detection rates for small, invasive breast cancers increased by 164% and
cancers were found in women at a younger age when radiologists used computer
aided detection (CAD) to assist in reading mammograms. 28 September 2005
Photoselective vaporisation of the
prostate shown to be effective treatment for BPH
A study on the long-term outcomes of men treated with photoselective
vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
using the Laserscope GreenLight (TM) laser system has shown significant and
sustainable improvements in the outcomes of patients. 28 September 2005
Oxford University join with GE
Healthcare to study colorectal cancer
GE Healthcare and Oxford University will jointly study the pathology of
colorectal cancer, with the aim of achieving earlier diagnosis and treatment
of the disease. A major goal of the two-year collaboration will be to create
a coherent picture of a patient's disease and determine the most effective
treatment. 27 September 2005
High intensity focused ultrasound gives
new hope for cancer sufferers
Liver and kidney cancer sufferers in Europe can benefit from a remarkable
proven technology from China. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can
destroy tumours without surgery. 25 September 2005
Intraop Medical receives order for
Mobetron from Poland
Intraop Medical, has received an order for its Mobetron, from the
Wielkopolskie Centrum Onkologii Cancer Centre in Poznan, the second order
from Poland. The Mobetron delivers intraoperative radiation treatment (IORT)
during cancer surgery. 22 September 2005
Micro-bubbles and CPS technology
improve ultrasound cancer detection
A new generation of ultrasound contrast media, micro-bubbles, combined with
a new pulse sequencing technology, can enable ultrasound scanners to
distinguish healthy tissue from malignant tumours and metastases better than
previously. 3 September 2005
Computed tomographic colonoscopy can
detect cancer outside of colon
The investigation of the colon using computed tomography can detect cancers
and other important conditions outside of the colon. Conventional
colonoscopy only examines the inside of the colon and would therefore miss
these. 28 July 2005
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy
improves identification of cancerous breast tumours
A study published in the August issue of Radiology shows that adding
spectroscopic analysis to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging increased both the
detection rate of cancerous tumours and the success rate of distinguishing
benign from malignant tumours. 28 July 2005
Laser and fibre optics could help early
cancer detection
A novel technology using an optical fibre to carry laser light into
suspicious tissue and performing spectral analysis of the cells, could help
detect cancer earlier, without performing invasive biopsies. 27 July 2005
Caffeine and exercise can prevent clear
PET and CT imaging of heart
Consumption of caffeine before a positron emission tomography (PET) or
computed tomography (CT) scan of the heart can increase the amount of
chemical tracer in the heart and obscure the images. If a person exercises
or drinks coffee before having a PET/CT scan, the heart beats faster,
causing more tracer to appear in the heart region, obscuring the view. 13
July 2005
R2 introduces smarter CAD algorithm and
workflow for mammography products. 10 June 2005
Combined MRI and X-ray mammography best
way to detect breast cancer
Annual screening, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray
mammography, is the best way to detect breast cancer in women that have a
high genetic risk of the disease, say researchers at The Institute of Cancer
Research, London. 10 June 2005
Mobile phone use and brain tumours: is
there a connection?
Over the past 15 years, there has been growing concern about this
possibility. Part of this concern stems from the fact that there are over
one billion mobile phone subscribers worldwide, and the number is
increasing. 9 June 2005
Technology for earlier detection of
lung cancer
Newly available medical technology is helping radiologists cost-effectively
find more early-stage lung cancers,
permitting earlier treatment. RapidScreen is an FDA-approved computerised
detection system for digital and film chest X-rays. It identifies suspected
nodule sites for further analysis by the radiologist. April 2005
Siemens to install particle therapy
technology at Heidelberg ion beam therapy centre
The first combined particle therapy solution in Europe will be used for
treating tumours with carbon ions and protons. April 2005
RITA Medical Systems introduces
radiofrequency ablation device for tumours. April 2005
RITA Medical Systems has introduced the StarBurst TALON, a radiofrequency
ablation (RFA) device that offers clinicians the ability to perform fast 4cm
spherical ablations with a novel side-deploy design that assists precise
device positioning in tumours that may be mobile in soft tissue or adjacent
to critical structures.
Lifeline Biotechnologies
ships first MastaScope to Greece. April 2005
Computer-aided detection for breast MRI
may improve diagnostic analysis, according to Spanish study. March 2005
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