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The study also found that the most reliable way to identify lesions was to combine the two technologies. PEM and MRI scanning together saw an additional 31 (out of 116 total) lesions producing a 20% absolute increase in what researchers call "sensitivity" when compared to using MRI alone.
"We looked very carefully for additional cancers and were surprised that barely half of these were shown on MRI," said Wendie Berg, M.D., Ph.D. and Principal Investigator for the trial. "Clearly there is need for better surgical planning information. PEM significantly improved detection of additional disease over MRI alone."
The results validate PEM as an integral imaging tool in the surgical management of breast cancer, and as an alternative for the large number of patients who cannot tolerate breast MRI exams due to claustrophobia, patient comfort, pacemaker, metal implants, or other factors.
"This new technology, available to patients at more than 35 sites throughout the U.S. and internationally, represents a significant advance in the detection and treatment of breast cancer. Comprehensive breast cancer centers and existing imaging centers with MRI capability will benefit from the additional sensitivity and specificity provided by PEM," said Paul J. Mirabella, Chairman and CEO, Naviscan, Inc. "These exciting results, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will be welcomed news by patients and physicians."
Naviscan will provide additional information at the Radiological Society of North American meeting (RSNA 2009) in Chicago, November 29 - December 3.
This multi-site study (NIH Grant 5R44CA103102) examined women with newly-diagnosed breast cancer. Patients were accrued from six leadi
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