A new scanner that can distinguish tumor material from healthy tissue more accurately than other available methods could change the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, The Independent reports.
It is noted that the Field Cycling Imager (FCI) scanner was developed by scientists from the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with NHS Grampian. The results of its tests and research are published in the journal Nature Communications Medicine.
According to the scientists, their development could lead to fewer surgeries and more individualized treatment for patients. They used the prototype scanner to examine breast tissue from patients with newly diagnosed cancer.
It turned out that the Field Cycling Imager is able to distinguish tumor material from healthy tissue with greater accuracy than existing MRI methods. The scientists noted that the scanner can detect the invasion of a cancerous tumor that had not been previously detected.
“We found that images obtained with FCI can more accurately characterize breast tumors. This means that it is possible to improve the treatment plan for patients by increasing the accuracy of the biopsy procedure by more accurately identifying the type and location of tumors, as well as reducing the number of repeat surgeries, so the potential impact of this on patients is really extremely large,” said Dr. Lionel Brosch, a senior researcher in the Department of Biomedical Physics and lead author of the study.
The scientists shared with journalists that the Field Cycling Imager is derived from MRI, but can operate at ultra-low magnetic fields. Thanks to this, it is possible to see how organs are affected by diseases.
The publication explained that the principle of FCI is similar to MRI. However, it acts as several scanners in one and can extract many different types of tissue information. What’s more, the scanner can detect tumors without the need to inject dye into the body, which causes allergic reactions and kidney damage in some patients.
Consultant radiologist at NHS Grampian, Dr. Gerald Lip, who participated in the study, added that the findings are promising. He is confident that the scanner will play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the future.
Other medical research
Earlier, scientists explained why people are living less and less. The researchers noted that it is still possible to restore life expectancy growth, but under one condition.
In addition, scientists said that parents will soon be able to edit their children’s genes. Theoretically, people will soon be able to reproduce without sex at all.
