Credit: Western University
Technology developed at Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute can provide a new window into whether or not patients are responding to treatment for advanced ovarian cancer. A multi-centre clinical trial has demonstrated that CT Perfusion, which measures blood flow and blood volume to tumours associated with ovarian cancer, can provide an accurate prediction of how well a treatment is working, allowing physicians the opportunity to better plan treatment. Funding for the trial was provided by the US National Cancer Institute through the National Clinical Trials Network including NRG Oncology and ECOG-ACRIN.
"CT perfusion is honing into the change in blood flow to the tumour before and after treatment," said Ting-Yim Lee, professor at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute, and a medical physicist at St. Joseph's Health Care London. "In this particular case we can see that blood flow tends to decrease in those who will survive longer without symptoms, whereas for those whose symptoms will recur within six months, we saw blood flow to the tumour increase after their treatment."
The study, was published in the journal, Clinical Cancer Research. Its authors point out that in 60 to 85 per cent of ovarian cancer patients, relapse will occur after initial treatment. Using CT perfusion to identify which patients are more likely to benefit from a specific therapy, enables better patient selection and treatment planning, and also provides a biomarker for future clinical trials assessing new treatment options. The authors also point out that although the trial is promising, further studies are required to corroborate the current findings.
"Using this method we are able to see a change in the blood flow as early as four weeks after treatment. This means we don't have to wait months to determine whether symptoms will recur, we are able to tell whether the treatment is effective much sooner," said Lee.
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Video of Lee explaining CT perfusion can be found at: https://youtu.be/ei8XmU4jCP8
Developed by Lee and his team at Western University's Robarts Research Institute, CT perfusion uses X-ray dye in combination with existing CT scanners to measure blood flow. The technology is already used globally to assess blood flow to the brain after stroke. This clinical trial for use in ovarian cancer took place across 19 U.S. centres, and also demonstrated that the technology is easily implemented onto any existing CT scanner, and requires minimal training to be successful.
MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944, [email protected] @CrystalMackay
ABOUT WESTERN
Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
ABOUT THE SCHULICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada's preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.
ABOUT LAWSON HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE
As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Care London, and working in partnership with Western University, Lawson Health Research Institute is committed to furthering scientific knowledge to advance health care around the world. http://www.lawsonresearch.ca
Follow Lawson News online: Website: https://www.lawsonresearch.ca/news-events Twitter: https://twitter.com/lawsonresearch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawsonhealthresearchinstitute/
Media Contact
Crystal Mackay
[email protected]
519-933-5944
@mediawesternu
http://www.uwo.ca
Original Source
http://mediarelations.uwo.ca/2017/06/28/simple-ct-scanning-procedure-shows-measuring-blood-flow-can-predict-effectiveness-ovarian-cancer-treatment/ http://dx.doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-1859
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Story Source: Materials provided by Scienmag
