WSU Veterinary Hospital Installs a New Linear Accelerator to Fight Cancer

 

Washington State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital has significantly advanced its cancer treatment capabilities by installing a new linear accelerator (LINAC). This state-of-the-art technology is set to revolutionize the way cancer is treated in pets, offering advanced radiation therapy that can not only prolong lives but potentially cure various cancers.

Dr. Janean Fidel, a veterinary oncologist at WSU, emphasized the transformative potential of this machine in treating a wide range of cancers, including mast cell tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and cancers affecting the oral, nasal, and brain regions. The new LINAC stands out for its precision in targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, a critical aspect of effective cancer treatment.

The installation of this LINAC, which involved fundraising efforts since 2018 amounting to over $1 million, replaces an older model acquired in 2010. Despite serving over 3,500 animals, the previous machine was plagued with frequent malfunctions. The new LINAC is a technological leap forward, offering enhanced accuracy, speed, and safety. It boasts submillimeter targeting accuracy and high dose rate delivery, greatly improving treatment outcomes by reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissue and shortening treatment duration.

A notable feature of the new LINAC is its onboard imaging system, allowing operators to precisely locate tumors just before treatment, ensuring accurate alignment with the radiation beam. This system is a significant upgrade over older models that relied on film for imaging, which was less efficient and offered lower image quality.

The WSU oncology team has undergone extensive training to utilize this advanced machine. Dr. Raelynn Farnsworth, the chief medical officer of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, expressed gratitude to the donors who acquired this technology. This new equipment is expected to provide exceptional cancer treatment for pets, a rare service in the region.

Reference the original article at WSU.edu/news here.

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RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost components and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 to learn more.

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

Patients Privately Pay $2,500 for a Full-Body MRI Scan to Detect Cancer

 

Dr. Julianne Santarosa, celebrating July Fourth on a boat in Texas, received unsettling news during a full-body MRI scan conducted by Prenuvo. Radiologists had identified a lung nodule, raising concerns about her health. Although she hadn't experienced any pain or specific symptoms, she had a gut feeling to get the scan after seeing a Prenuvo ad on Facebook. Subsequent tests confirmed the nodule was cancerous, but the early detection allowed for prompt treatment and a more favorable outcome.

Demand for Prenuvo's services has surged, prompting the company to announce the opening of 11 new locations by 2024. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have endorsed the company, and notable investors include Cindy Crawford, Eric Schmidt, Anne Wojcicki, and Tony Fadell. Prenuvo utilizes custom MRI machines capable of scanning the entire body in about an hour, providing comprehensive health assessments. However, the service is currently not covered by insurance, necessitating out-of-pocket payments.

Prenuvo's mission is to empower customers by revealing more than 500 conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, and brain aneurysms, through advanced imaging technology. Despite long waitlists, many individuals are eager to experience the benefits of early disease detection. While Prenuvo aims to lower costs through various means, radiologist shortages and the limitations of MRI scans underscore the complexities of healthcare diagnostics.

Prenuvo's technology offers peace of mind and relaxation during the scanning process. Patients receive results within a few weeks and appreciate the non-invasive and comfortable experience. As the company continues to evolve, it strives to complement existing healthcare practices, emphasizing that its scans are not meant to replace targeted screenings like colonoscopies and mammograms.

While the journey to revolutionize medical diagnostics is ongoing, Prenuvo's innovative approach has garnered attention and sparked patient and investor interest. Its commitment to early detection and enhancing overall wellness suggests a promising future for this pioneering healthcare company.

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RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost components and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 to learn more.

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

 

MIT and Dana-Farber's Breakthrough in Identifying Cancer Origins

 

In certain cancer cases, pinpointing the exact origin of the cancer is challenging, which complicates treatment decisions. Specific cancer treatments are tailored to different cancer types, and not knowing where the cancer originated from hinders treatment options.

 

Fortunately, a collaboration between researchers at MIT and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has unveiled a machine-learning model, named OncoNPC, that can predict a tumor's origin by analyzing the genetic sequence of about 400 genes.

 

Upon testing, the model showcased an impressive ability to correctly identify the origins of tumors 80% of the time. For tumors where predictions were made with high confidence, the accuracy surged to about 95%. This is monumental for cases classified as cancers of unknown primary (CUP), representing 3 to 5 percent of all cancer patients.

 

Utilizing the OncoNPC model on about 900 CUP tumors revealed that it could make high-confidence predictions for 40% of them. Further validating the model's precision, the predicted cancer types corresponded with patients' survival times, aligning with known prognoses for those cancer types.

 

Additionally, the model's implementation could have reshaped treatment decisions for patients. A subset of CUP patients who received treatment congruent with the model's predictions had more favorable outcomes compared to those who received mismatched treatments.

The researchers emphasized that a significant portion of patients could benefit from existing precision treatments if the cancer's origin was identified through their model.

 

The team, funded by multiple institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, is optimistic about enhancing the model's capabilities. Incorporating other data types like radiology and pathology images aims to equip the model to offer comprehensive insights, potentially guiding optimal treatment options.

 

To view the original source, visit: MIT News  

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RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost components and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 to learn more.

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/