In the latest application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, medical professionals have been able to track the effectiveness of the treatment meted out to brain tumor.
The study, which will be published in the March 28, 2005 online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, will cause major breakthrough in cancer treatment, in terms of speed and efficiency. The scientists from the University of Michigan, Comprehensive Cancer Center, say that the new technology will measure the water movement in the brain to assess the treatment. Water movement in the brain is slowed or stopped by the presence and size of the brain tumor. In contrast to the MRI scans that can be used six weeks after the treatment, the newest scans may be used three weeks into the treatment of the brain affected by tumor growths. The new scan is called diffusion MRI scan and can be done using any closed MRI scanner with a few adjustments and takes a few minutes more.The problem of treatment of brain cancer was the waiting period the patient and the family members had to endure before they could learn about the treatment effectiveness. The new technology hopes to elevate such tensions for the physicians and patients alike.
