Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (VAR), a global leader in medical devices used for cancer treatment, recently announced that its Ginzton Technology Center and Stanford University won a $3.6 million five-year research grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). The purpose of the grant will be to improve advanced imaging technology. Specifically, it will enhance the quality of Computed Tomography (CT) images for patients with metal objects in their bodies such as dental fillings and knee/hip implants.
The grant was awarded by the Cancer Imaging Program (CIP), which is a part of the National Cancer Institute of the NIH. It was given as part of the program titled “Academic-Industrial Partnerships for Development and Validation of In Vivo Imaging Systems and Methods for Cancer Investigations”. This program was established to promote inter-disciplinary research by academia and industry into cancer-related imaging problems.
According to Ginzton Technology Center, radiotherapy for cancer frequently uses high quality CT images for planning advanced treatment. Further, medical practitioners also require superior cone-beam CT pictures taken by a machine-mounted imager for both positioning of the patient and assessing the response of the tumor to treatment.
Such CT pictures are usually taken at kilo voltage X-Ray energy yielding superior definition of soft tissue. Unfortunately, pronounced distortions take place when metal is present within the human body, making it difficult to recognize what the oncologist is seeking.
The Ginzton Technology Center added that it is feasible to dramatically cut down on distortions by utilizing very high energy (mega voltage) X-Rays, which are able to more successfully penetrate metal. However, megavoltage imaging also presents certain disadvantages such as, one needs a high dose and the image quality is not up to the mark, especially for soft tissue.
This current grant will be used to develop tools with the goal of attaining the better of two worlds by combining kilo voltage cone-beam CT information with a smaller amount of megavoltage information to set-up a composite picture with lower distortion and good resolution of softer tissue. Thus, scientists from Stanford and Varian will create novel megavoltage X-Ray detection hardware and image reconstruction software. In addition, they will validate the new technology at a clinical trial to be held at Stanford.
The Ginzton Technology Center is Varian’s R&D center. It develops new technology, supports product development and conducts industry or government-sponsored research projects. Its mission is to focus on development of new technologies, which will lead to improved facilities for Varian’s customers.
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