Costly Medical Imaging Innovations Draw Scrutiny Aug 1, 2008
Among these innovative forms of testing are the MRI, the CT, and, most recently, the PET scan, or positron emission tomography, which is used to diagnose certain strains of cancer ... -- earlier this decade Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri estimated that 20% to 30% of Pet scans CTs and MRIs were ordered unnecessarily. (Fox News)
'Biomarkers' May Help Spot, Track Alzheimer's Jul 31, 2008
A second study, from researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, confirmed previous findings: that the more amyloid there is in the brain (as measured by PET scans), the less beta amyloid 42 there is in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ... Finally, a fourth study showed that a certain radioactive compound or tracer, 18F-AV-45, may have potential in the diagnosis and early detection of Alzheimer's when used with PET scans. (MEDLINEplus)
Maternal Link to Alzheimer's Risk Jul 31, 2008
In the latest study, the researchers studied glucose metabolism in the brain, using PET scans and a technique that labels glucose with a chemical tracer (FDG-PET) over a two-year period. Dr. Mosconi examined 66 cognitively normal individuals, from 50 to 82 years old. (Newsmax)
Markers in Blood and Spinal Fluid, and a New Imaging Agent, Show Promise for Early Detection of Alzheimer's Jul 30, 2008
Anne M. Fagan, PhD, of the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, and colleagues previously demonstrated in a small group (n=24) that a low level of AB42 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an effective marker for determining the presence of amyloid in the brain as assessed by PET scans using a marker called Pittsburgh Compound B (PIB). In a new study presented at ICAD 2008, Fagan reported on a much larger cohort (n=132; age 45-88 years, mean 65. (PR Newswire)
Four Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Address a Variety of Treatment Targets - Amyloid, Tau, Synapse Formation Jul 30, 2008
Imaging results from SPECT and PET scans were collected at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment. The researchers found that, at 24 weeks, MTC produced a significant improvement relative to placebo of -5. (PR Newswire)
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Announces 2008 Second Quarter Results Jul 30, 2008
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. as at and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, and should also be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MDntained in our annual... (PR Newswire)
Alzheimer Disease Plaques Seen With Conventional MRI in Animal Model for the First Time Jul 28, 2008
These lesions, known as amyloid plaques, have been "imaged" previously using very high power MRI scanners that are only used on animals, and also with PET scans combined with specialized marker chemicals. This is the first time images of plaques were captured with conventional, clinical strength MRI. Two other studies reported at ICAD 2008 use MRI and advanced computer analysis to bring us closer to early identification of Alzheimer's, perhaps even before symptoms are evident. (PR Newswire)
MRI captures images of brain lesions of Alzheimer's Jul 28, 2008
Amyloid plaques, which accumulate in the brain and are a hallmark of Alzheimer's, have been captured before through extra-high-power magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners meant for use in animals and with PET scans. But in this case, lead author John Ronald and his colleagues used regular-strength MRI scans. (Xinhuanet, China)
ALZHEIMER'S: MRI could be key in fight against disease Jul 28, 2008
Many tools are used to look for signs of Alzheimer's, including a battery of cognitive and behavioral tests, MRI scans and imaging studies called PET scans that require the injection of special chemicals that help light up the brain. But doctors can make a definitive diagnosis only after a patient dies by identifying the presence of brain lesions called amyloid plaques. (USA Today)
Teamwork Cuts Out Unnecessary Biopsies, Researchers Find Jul 26, 2008
18, 2007) Positron emission tomography or PET scans can help clinicians diagnose and treat some cancers, but it is not clear yet whether the imaging technology helps people with cancer live longer and. (Mar. (Science Daily)
Head And Neck Cancer: Quick Way To Determine If Cancer Has Spread Jul 25, 2008
The PET scan is a highly sensitive scan that detects the growth of cancer cells, while the CT scan provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy and the location of the growth. While the current study focused exclusively on head and neck cancer patients, Odell says that it is likely that it will be applicable to other cancers. (Science Daily)
To better serve clients and co-workers, dont remember imagine Jul 22, 2008
With active MRI, PET scans, and the like, we can view the brain in action. We can see which neurons are firing and which parts of the brain are active. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Lantis' OCT Dental Imaging System Uses Fast-Growing, Light-Based Technology Jul 22, 2008
It is generally considered to be the sixth major diagnostic imaging technology after x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and PET scan. The significance of OCT technology is evidenced by the number of bio-medical applications under research and development and the large increase in the number of OCT publications over the last several years. (Primezone Releases)
Alzheimer's Drug Reverses Symptoms Over Year Jul 18, 2008
PET scan of Alzheimer's disease brain. (Credit: National Institute on Aging, NIH). (Science Daily)
ABB names GE Healthcare chief Hogan CEO Jul 17, 2008
7-billion acquisition in 2004 of British bioscience company Amersham Plc, which is developing molecular agents that could enhance PET scans and other advanced tests. Hogan gathered experience in the field of engineering in his time as CEO of GE Fanuc Automation, a production systems venture with Japan's Fanuc. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Imaging Advance Tracks Prostate Cancer in Lymph Nodes Jul 16, 2008
The payload consists of a protein that can be picked up on PET scans. Wu and her colleagues next want to combine the imaging technique with treatment, so that a drug contained in the genetic payload could kill the traveling tumor cells. (Health-Finder)
Giddings pulls plug on scanner Jul 13, 2008
Greens leader Nick McKim said Tasmanians needed access to PET scans sooner rather than later, something Ms Giddings should be facilitating. Share this article. (NEWS.com.au)
How Far Should We Go to Save Our Pets? Jul 13, 2008
Pacemakers are routine, as are CAT scans, PET scans, and MRIs. Along with the cutting-edge equipment, the level of expertise and specialization among vets has grown, too. (Boston Globe)
Virus helps show cancer spread Jul 13, 2008
Once inside, they expressed a protein which could be shown up on a PET scan, which meant that even relatively small prostate cancer tumours within a node would be more easy to identify. Dr Wu said: "We now know we can reach these prostate cancer metastases at an earlier stage than before, and we know we can deliver genes to those cancer cells that produce proteins that can be imaged.". (BBC News -- Health)
New Tinnitus Treatment: Potential To Greatly Diminish Ringing In The Ears Jul 13, 2008
We use a PET scan of the patient s brain to look for excessive neural activity with increased blood flow in the temporal lobe. Then we target that area with low-frequency TMS to inhibit the neural activity and decrease the tinnitus, Mennemeier said. (Science Daily)
Endocrinology: Understanding The Genetics Of Congenital Hyperinsulinism Jul 7, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 6, 2008) A number of congenital disorders characterized by low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) as a result of excessive secretion of the hormone insulin are collectively known as congenital hyperinsulinism. These disorders are caused by genetic mutations that result in mutant KATP channel proteins in the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas. (Science Daily)
Report says clinicians should consider economic impact of new interventions Jul 2, 2008
Public release date: 2-Jul-2008. Contact: David Sampson. (EurekAlert!)
0 comment(s) Jun 24, 2008
Past Month's Most Commented Stories. Brain study shows differences between gays, straights. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Brain study shows differences between gays, straights Jun 24, 2008
Past Month's Most Commented Stories. Monday, June 23, 2008 11:35 PM PDT. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Medical care's state of denial Jun 24, 2008
When his tumor failed to show on a standard CT scan, his doctors recommended a more sensitive and expensive imaging technique called a PET scan. But his medical group and insurer, having denied an earlier PET scan request, again balked, labeling the tool "experimental" or "investigational" for his diagnosis ... CT scans cost about half the price of PET scans. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Advance Towards Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis Jun 23, 2008
PiB PET scan comparing brains of people with and without Alzheimer's disease. (Credit: CSIRO). (Science Daily)
Gesture Computer Interface Device Developed For Surgeons Jun 20, 2008
ScienceDaily (June 19, 2008) Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel have developed a new hand gesture recognition system, tested at a Washington, D.C. hospital, that enables doctors to manipulate digital images during medical procedures by motioning instead of touching a screen, keyboard or mouse which compromises sterility and could spread infection, according to a just released article. The new article reports on what the authors believe is the first time a hand... (Science Daily)
New Possibilities For Breast Cancer Treatment On The Horizon Jun 20, 2008
"Using this noninvasive technology, physicians can get much more accurate images of tumors--especially small tumors--than conventional full-body PET scans. This will enable physicians to determine the stage of the cancer and determine courses of treatment more accurately.". In addition, the technology could eventually be used to detect early whether drug treatments are effective in individual patients. (Science Daily)
PET Scans Reveal Hormone Replacement Therapy May Be Beneficial For Postmenopausal Women Jun 20, 2008
ScienceDaily (June 19, 2008) Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease, yet recent research studies have sometimes resulted in conflicting data regarding how best to treat or minimize the effects of the disease. "Although it is commonly understood that postmenopausal women, particularly those with early menopause, have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease and it was thought that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) would help to remedy... (Science Daily)
New Hope for Skin Cancer? Jun 19, 2008
Just two months after treatment, CT and PET scans showed no sign of cancer anywhere in the patient's body. Two years later, the patient still showed no signs of cancer. (ABC News)
Gay Men, Straight Women Have Similar Brains Jun 18, 2008
MONDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) - MRI and PET scan studies are showing remarkable similarities between the brains of gay men and straight women, and between those of lesbians and straight men ... PET scans were performed both while the participants were resting and while they were smelling unscented air. (MEDLINEplus)
PET Scans Reveal Your Brain's Inner Choreography Jun 16, 2008
PET Scans Reveal Your Brain's Inner Choreography: Scientific American ... PET Scans Reveal Your Brain's Inner Choreography. (Scientific American)
Developers Preview iPhone Apps at WWDC Jun 10, 2008
Dsiplaying a a CT scan and PET scan of a fictional patient named Johnny Appleseed, Cain fused the two images together, and began switching the image's orientation on the screen, showing the front, back, top, etc. Yep, it looks like Johnny's got a lung tumor, unfortunately. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Collaborators Present Positive Phase II Sarcoma Trial Results at ASCO Annual Meeting Jun 2, 2008
A PET scan taken at the same time showed that any residual mass was metabolically inert. "These very encouraging data have increased our commitment to the thorough investigation of this exciting, unique, truly targeted agent," said Dr Francis Giles, Director of the IDD at UTHSC. "We feel privileged to participate in this study and to be able to offer this therapeutic option to our patients," said Dr. Mita. (PR Newswire)
U.S. Reporters Often Do A Poor Job Of Reporting About New Medical Treatments, Analysis Finds May 30, 2008
Radiation therapy requires visualizing exactly where a tumor is located, usually from looking at hundreds of different X-ray , CT or PET scan images. . (Science Daily)
Undiagnosed disease? Maybe it is, maybe it isn't May 21, 2008
And that brings us to the , an internist who doesn't seem that impressed with the focus on mystery diseases and who offers up "real world examples" of folks who believe they've not been diagnosed properly, including this one: "Ma'am, your 10 CT scans of your abdomen in the last twelve months, your three upper endoscopies, your two colonoscopies, your CT angiogram of your belly, your PET scan, your exploratory lap, your cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, spleenectomy and your 400 pages of lab tests... (Los Angeles Times)
Lowry's give God the glory May 21, 2008
However, before Leonard could meet with the surgeon he had to have a PET scan ... Another PET scan had discovered the tumor had moved into Leonard's left lung ... The onchologists couldn't read the results of the PET scan because computers were down. (Macon Chronicle-Herald, MO)
Blood test can alert you to lung cancer May 21, 2008
"This high false-positive rate requires patients to undergo extensive follow-up investigations, such as serial CT scans, PET scans or biopsies. This test may be able to obviate the need for such things if it is developed into a large-scale diagnostic tool.". Lung cancer is a very diverse disease, and screening for it can be very difficult. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Blood Test Could Detect Early Lung Cancer May 20, 2008
"This high false-positive rate requires patients to undergo extensive follow-up investigations, such as serial CT scans, PET scans or biopsies," she said. The study suggested that "lung cancers interact with circulating white blood cells and change the types of genes that are active in these cells," she said, adding that she hoped to expand the research and perhaps pursue a clinical trial of the larger population. (Newsmax)
Bone drug could help prevent the spread of breast cancer May 17, 2008
Public release date: 16-May-2008. Contact: Gwen Ericson. (EurekAlert!)
Bone drugs seen helping fight cancer spread May 16, 2008
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A drug prescribed to prevent fractures in breast cancer patients whose tumors have spread may actually help slow the cancer itself, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday. They said Zometa, sold by Swiss drug giant Novartis, appears to have prevented the spread of tumors to the bone. (Scientific American)
High-Tech Imaging No Better for Diagnosing Head/Neck Cancers May 15, 2008
New type of PET scan same as MRI, CT for false positives, study found. HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
Womens Health Conference set May 13, 2008
It now provides 10 including ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET scan, mammography, nuclear medicine, bone density scans and C-ARM equipment. State Sen. (Courier Publications, ME)
Designer Isotopes Push The Frontier Of Science May 10, 2008
The chemical changes that brought about the formation of the elements in the bellies of stars are being recreated in laboratories such as MSU s NSCL. Advances in basic nuclear science already have given way to technologies such as PET scans medical procedures that use special isotopes to target specific types of tumors ... He offers up PET scans short for positron emission tomography as an example of the payoff associated with pushing the bounds of accelerator science to study new specific... (Science Daily)
Depression Diversity: Brain Studies Reveal Big Differences Among Individuals May 9, 2008
The other group of depressed volunteers - both depressed and non-depressed -- received PET scans with a tracer that allowed the researchers to see the mu-opioid receptors in their brains. These receptors are the gateway for signals sent by chemicals called endogenous opioids -- the brain's natural "painkillers" - which are involved in stress response including response to pain. (Science Daily)
After Cancer, Hope for Easing Devastating Side Effect May 2, 2008
Also, in an age of accurate small needle biopsy, PET scans, PET/CT combination scans and MRIs, there simply is not the need to go in and just start yanking out lymph nodes. Perhaps procedural guidelines should be developed that would start with the scans, then continue up the ladder as might be truly needed. (New York Times)
US Oncology Applauds Journal of Clinical Oncology Study Highlighting Value of PET Scans for Cancer Patients With Various Types of Malignancies May 2, 2008
PET scans are commonly used for the diagnosis, staging and restaging of cancers as well as the monitoring of tumor response to treatment for Medicare patients with nine types of cancers covered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): breast, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, head and neck, non-small-cell lung, thyroid, lymphoma and melanoma. By providing images of cancerous changes at the molecular level, PET scans for these types of cancers have given physicians the ability to... (PR Newswire)
Cancer Could Return Unless Stored Ovarian Tissue Undergoes Adequate Testing Before Re-implantation May 2, 2008
" Dr Meirow, who leads the fertility preservation programme in the IVF Unit at Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer (headed by Professor Jehoshua Dor), carried out the research with Professor Dina Ben Yehuda, director of the Hematology Division at Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem. Dr Meirow said that fertility centres with close connections to cancer and haematological centres should be able to work together in order to adopt the correct methods for checking stored tissue. Before... (Science Daily)
Early Clinical Trial Results Back New Drug For Melanoma Apr 19, 2008
The researchers tracked the patients' progress before and after the treatment with biopsies and PET scans, a form of nuclear medicine imaging typically used to detect cancer. "Our preliminary results show three solid positive responses in nine of the patients who had been able to complete the trial to date," Goydos said. (Science Daily)
Study Results of GAMMAGARD S/D and GAMMAGARD LIQUID in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease Announced Apr 18, 2008
"The changes on PET scans of these Alzheimer's patients after six months of GAMMAGARD S/D and GAMMAGARD LIQUID are encouraging." The Phase II study also evaluated brain metabolism in patients treated with GAMMAGARD S/D and GAMMAGARD LIQUID compared to those who received placebo based on 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (PET) (FDG-PET) scans, which are sometimes used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Across brain regions usually affected by Alzheimer's disease, in this... (PR Newswire)
* World News Quick Take Apr 17, 2008
I was surprised by the PET scan findings because I have been feeling so good. I consider this just another bump on the road to a successful recovery from Hodgkins, from which Ive been symptom free for three years, Specter said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Study Suggests GAMMAGARD LIQUID May Target the Primary Pathway Involved in Alzheimer's Disease Apr 16, 2008
Laboratory study shows naturally occurring antibodies contained in GAMMAGARD LIQUID may bind to the primary culprit for Alzheimer's disease CHICAGO, April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: ) today announced data from a laboratory study demonstrating natural antibodies contained in GAMMAGARD LIQUID [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] (IGIV), marketed as KIOVIG in the European Union, a plasma-derived antibody... (PR Newswire)
Ormond Beach mom bringsnew life to relay fundraiser Apr 14, 2008
In between the biopsy and a surgical removal of both breasts, a PET scan to check her entire body for cancer turned up something curious. "They told me I had fluid on my uterus," she said. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Power Of Molecular Imaging Reveals Secrets Of The Heart Apr 10, 2008
Kendziorra said he believes that in addition to assisting in monitoring and guiding treatment of heart patients, PET scans may also be helpful in selecting those who would profit the most from CPC administration. "Early detection of hibernating myocardial tissue via noninvasive imaging modalities such as PET and SPECT will help us to assess a patient's myocardial metabolism and blood flow," he said. (Science Daily)
Thyatira News Apr 8, 2008
Lisa Williams got the results of her PET scan and it showed that her cancer had shrunk by 75 percent and there was no more signs of any other cancer. She will meet with her doctor this week to schedule surgery to remove the spots. (Seantobia Democrat, MS)
Stanford nanotech project may find tumors Apr 4, 2008
Today's most advanced cancer diagnostic tools, such as PET scans, can pick up a tumor about 5 millimeters wide - containing tens of millions of cancerous cells. The new technique, called Raman imaging, has the potential to detect microscopic clumps of only a few hundred cancer cells. (San Francisco Chronicle)
* Yes, running can make you high Mar 31, 2008
The idea was to use PET scans combined with recently available chemicals that reveal endorphins in the brain, to compare runners' brains before and after a long run ... The athletes had PET scans before and after two-hour runs. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
PET Confirmed As Valuable Cancer Diagnostic And Disease-staging Tool Mar 29, 2008
CMS will then review the data and issue their decision regarding reimbursement for PET scans covered only through the NOPR.. The authors believe that "the data collected by NOPR fulfils an unmet need with its primary scientific aim of measuring the impact of PET on patient management in a manner that is minimally intrusive to care providers." They also state that "our findings are representative of Medicare patients for whom PET would be ordered if it were covered by CMS for the expanded... (Science Daily)
Personal Best: Yes, running can make you high Mar 29, 2008
The idea was to use PET scans combined with recently available chemicals that reveal endorphins in the brain, to compare runners' brains before and after a long run. If the scans showed that endorphins were being produced and were attaching themselves to areas of the brain involved with mood, that would be direct evidence for the endorphin hypothesis. (International Herald Tribune)
PET Scans Help Detect and Classify Dementia Types Mar 28, 2008
Mosconi at New York University School of Medicine in New York and colleagues analyzed PET scans taken of 548 subjects. Of these individuals, 110 were elderly, but healthy, and the rest had mild cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies. (MEDLINEplus)
LMC moves forward on $1.7 million project Mar 27, 2008
Continuing education would also be developed to train in areas such as mammography, CT and PET scans and bone density screening. . (Niles Star, MI)
LMC to develop medical imaging career center Mar 27, 2008
Continuing education would also be developed to train in areas such as mammography, CT and PET scans and bone density screening. The MICC will include updates to all existing radiologic technology equipment to create an "energized" lab with fully functioning x-ray equipment. (Dowagiac News, MI)
Study validates Pittsburgh Compound-B in identifying Alzheimer's disease brain toxins Mar 27, 2008
The PET scan showed significant retention of PiB in distinct regions of her brain ... The regions of her brain where the PET scans had identified the highest PiB levels before death correlated precisely with the regions of high beta-amyloid plaque concentrations in her autopsied brain ... This patient who selflessly and generously agreed to PiB PET scanning and who gave us the gift of her brain has enabled us to compare what we detected during her life to what we confirmed after her death. (EurekAlert!)
Hybrid MRI-PET Scanner Reveals Tumors Earlier Mar 26, 2008
Researchers found that images of colon tumors in mice captured on the new scanner were as clear as those captured separately on traditional MRI and PET scans. The new machine allows physicians to view tissue in detail and gauge its health simultaneously. (Scientific American)
Scans geta closerlook Mar 24, 2008
Insurers fear some patients are being exposed to dangerous radiation levels from having repeated CT and PET scans, which use many times the radiation of a regular chest X-ray ... A recent study by the Center for Studying Health System Change, which is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation of Plainsboro, N.J., the nations biggest health care charity, also found that limitations on use of MRIs, CT scans, PET scans and nuclear cardiology imaging became widespread last year. (MSNBC -- Health)
