New MRI contrast agent developed for imaging liver tumors

Liver cancer may face a formidable new adversary in the form of a novel MRI contrast agent that, in preclinical experiments, has shown its ability to wring clear tumor images from both T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans.

Developed at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the dual-mode dye incorporates nanodiamond technology, according to a news item produced by the school and published in Lab Manager.

The principle investigator behind the substance’s development, Edward Chow, PhD, says his team hopes their nanomedicine advancement will lead to liver imaging that is both safer and more accurate than current modes.

“Moving forward, we plan to conduct further preclinical safety studies for our contrast agents, with the end goal being clinical implementation,” he adds.

Chow says they’re also looking into applications for glioma and ovarian cancer.

Read the item: 

Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.