Researchers who focused on liver cancer treatment have developed a novel technology to witness chemotherapy as it targets cancerous tumors. With these advanced scanners, physicians can see in real time the treatment process, and evaluate if it is working as expected. This is truly a remarkable advance.
New CT Scan to target specific tumors. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Researchers at John Hopkins University have collaborated with Dutch radiologists on what proves to be the best medical innovation. They have developed specialized CT scans that produce real-time images of cancerous tumors as they disintegrate during chemotherapy sessions.
The researchers have used the scanners on 27 liver cancer patients to test its efficacy. The scanner is easy to use and mobile. It is the size of a standard laptop computer. It produces quality digital imaging, which researchers believe could still be refined and improved.
Chemotherapy for liver cancer works as an injectable medication. The anti-cancer drug is placed directly into the tumors and nearby blood vessels. Within seconds, a successful treatment seems to cause the tumors to shrink and die.
This scanning technology is still under full development, but its potential as a standard equipment in cancer diagnosis and treatment could significantly improve the survival chances of many cancer patients. For one, it could save patients in advanced stages of cancer a lot of time by cutting the waiting time in finding out if one type of therapy is working. Also, it could help treat patients with rapidly developing cancer.
A case in point: At present, many liver cancer patients go through chemoembolization. This treatment uses doxorubicin, which is injected into liver cancer tumors. It takes several weeks for the chemotherapy agent to seep into the tumor, and thus, patients need to wait for at least a month to know if the therapy is effective.
With these CT scans, patients with liver cancer need not endure weeks of waiting, and get the necessary results as soon as possible. This is truly an exciting news!
