Researchers at Duke Medicine have made use of computer simulations to find that using gamma or neutron radiation to scan the liver and breast was safe and the levels of radiation that patients were exposed to was on par with conventional medical imaging.
The findings, published in the June issue of the journal Medical Physics, will help researchers to move testing of gamma and neutron imaging into animals and later humans.
Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a type of medical examination that uses X-rays and computer processing to create sectional images of the body to provide more efficient results than X-rays.
Advertisement
Conventional medical imaging tools - including X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI - detect disease by finding the anatomy, or shape and size, of the abnormality. When using these tools to screen for cancer, a tumor must be large enough to be detected, and if found, a surgical biopsy is generally required to determine if it is benign or malignant.
Duke researchers are working to develop imaging technologies to detect disease in its earliest stages, much before the tumors grow large enough to be detected using conventional methods. Two imaging techniques they are researching are Neutron Stimulated Emission Computed Tomography and Gamma Stimulated Emission Computed Tomography.
![Magnetic Resonance Imaging]( "Magnetic Resonance Imaging")
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general info about Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Research has shown that many tumors have an out-of-balance concentration of trace-level elements naturally found in the body, such as aluminum and rubidium. These elements stray from their normal concentration levels at the earliest stages of tumor growth, potentially providing an early signal of disease.
The neutron and gamma imaging methods measure the concentrations of elements in the body, determining molecular properties without the need for a biopsy or injection of contrast media. The goal is for these tests to be able to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, as well as healthy tissue.
Source: Eurekalert
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general info about Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Advertisement
Research has shown that many tumors have an out-of-balance concentration of trace-level elements naturally found in the body, such as aluminum and rubidium. These elements stray from their normal concentration levels at the earliest stages of tumor growth, potentially providing an early signal of disease.
The neutron and gamma imaging methods measure the concentrations of elements in the body, determining molecular properties without the need for a biopsy or injection of contrast media. The goal is for these tests to be able to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, as well as healthy tissue.
Source: Eurekalert
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Research News
Malaria parasites sync their molecular rhythms with the internal 24-hour clocks of their hosts, said researchers.
A latest research suggests that the quality of a person's post-work recovery in the evening can impact their mood when they resume work the next day.
Researchers are working on new strategies and solutions for sleep apnea to ward off a range of health risks including cognitive decline.
The scientists discovered that when the stem cells in the hair follicle are made softer, they have a higher chance of growing hair.
A combinatorial therapy provided promising beneficial results among people with ischemic stroke.