Emerging trends in the Treatment Planning Systems Market

Emerging trends in the Treatment Planning Systems Market

Medical imaging software is considered one of healthcare’s fastest-growing segments inclusive of multiple image modalities.

The increasing prevalence of cancer is boosting demand for innovative treatment practices in oncology. There is rising adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into oncology processes. Radiotherapy is also is gaining popularity as one of the prominent and cost-effective treatment options. Although the global demand for radiology services is increasing, the rate of trained radiologists is only increasing at half its pace. Therefore there is a high demand for advanced image processing solutions. Three-dimensional image reconstruction and advanced radiotherapy are also anticipated to grow over the next few years.

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https://www.itnonline.com/article/analysis-treatment-planning-systems-market

MRI features can predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer

The Czarnota Research Team investigated whether pre-treatment T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging can be used to predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

Pre-treatment T2-weighted MRI texture features can predict NAC response with reasonable accuracy. The study examined T2 non-contrast images in predicting the treatment response to NAC. They intend to expand the current study cohort to include a higher number of patients to perform more robust validation strategies, including consideration of external validation from a different institution.

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https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210806/MRI-texture-features-can-predict-response-to-neoadjuvant-chemotherapy-in-patients-with-breast-cancer.aspx

A Hotline and HOT Site – A centralized approach to imaging during COVID-19

A team of investigators from Yale University School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Hospital shared their experience that streamlined radiology services while protecting staff and patients. This project provided efficient and reassuring radiology operations during an emergency situation by providing a single reliable point of contact and a source of truth for all facets of radiology

In March 2020, the team launched their hotline, staffed by radiologic technologists, scheduling staff, and two assistant chief radiologic technologists, to answer all radiology COVID-19-related questions and help schedule appointments. All X-rays were scheduled through the hotline to ensure proper screening, and any COVID-19-positive patient was seen at a “HOT” site.

A flexible, wearable X-ray detector that doesn’t require heavy metals

Researchers report a proof-of-concept wearable X-ray detector prepared from nontoxic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) layered between flexible plastic and gold electrodes for high-sensitivity sensing and imaging.

Previous researchers have used MOFs for flexible radiation detectors because they are semiconducting materials that respond to electromagnetic radiation by creating an electrical current. However, some of these MOFs still include lead, just like the X-ray detectors that are currently in use. So, researchers in ACS’ Nano Letters wanted to create a heavy-metal-free MOF for a flexible X-ray detector and imager.

Read the full report :

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210804123552.htm

Scientists try bioprinting to effectively repair bone & skin during surgery

Researchers at Penn State University have repaired bone and skin defects in a rat model using bioprinting during surgery that could lead to faster and better methods of healing skin and bones. The team used extrusion bioprinting and droplet bioprinting of mixtures of cells and carrier materials to print both bone and soft tissue. The researchers also want to translate this research to human applications and are continuing to work with neurosurgeons, craniomaxillofacial surgeons and plastic surgeons.

Real-time Interpretation: The next frontier in radiology AI

In the nine years since the age of deep learning, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant technological progress in medical imaging.

There are many aspects of the radiologist’s workflow where radiologists want improvements and that AI-based context could optimize and streamline. 

The number and complexity of medical images continue to increase as novel applications of imaging for screening and diagnosis emerge, but the total number of radiologists is not increasing at the same rate. The ongoing expansion of medical imaging therefore requires better tools for thought.  The next wave of AI must solve the workflow of real-time interpretation in radiology.

Read the full article : https://medcitynews.com/2021/07/real-time-interpretation-the-next-frontier-in-radiology-ai/?rf=1

Researchers automate brain MRI image labelling, more than 100,000 exams labelled in under 30 minutes

Researchers from the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences at King’s College London have automated brain MRI image labeling, needed to teach machine learning image recognition models, by deriving important labels from radiology reports and accurately assigning them to the corresponding MRI examinations. They can now label more than 100,00 MRI examinations in less than half an hour.

The further challenges for them will be to perform the deep learning image recognition tasks to ensure the developed models can still perform accurately across different hospitals using different scanners.

Read the full article: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-07/kcl-rab072221.php

A noninvasive test to detect cancer cells and pinpoint their location

Most of the tests that doctors use to diagnose cancer — such as mammography, colonoscopy, and CT scans — are based on imaging. More recently, researchers have also developed molecular diagnostics that can detect specific cancer-associated molecules that circulate in bodily fluids like blood or urine.

MIT engineers have now created a new diagnostic nanoparticle that combines both of these features: It can reveal the presence of cancerous proteins through a urine test, and it functions as an imaging agent, pinpointing the tumor location.  The diagnostic could be used to monitor the progression of colon cancer, including the spread of metastatic tumors to the lung and the liver. Eventually it could be developed into a routine cancer test that could be performed annually.

Read the full article : https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news2/newsid=58460.php

A new model for radiology virtual consultations

A group of U.S. researchers found that virtual consultations can improve radiology’s value by enabling face-to-face visits among radiologists, primary care physicians (PCPs), and their patients.

In the study participating radiologists could accept consultations through a video- and microphone-enabled PACS station in the hospital. Moreover, the visits lasted just eight minutes each on average. The radiologist discussed the imaging findings and answered any questions about the findings or follow-up recommendations with the patient and the PCP.

Their study demonstrates the feasibility of point-of-care virtual radiology consultations in primary care settings and provides preliminary data on the benefit of such a practice mode.

Read the full article : https://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=ser&sub=def&pag=dis&ItemID=133006

Cutting edge of medical imaging in India

There have been rapid advancements in imaging techniques being used in India. Two of these are cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and photoacoustic imaging.

Indian government’s science research funding agency announced that India would get four new cryo-EMs. Cryo-EM is a protein imaging technique. It will help medical professionals give quicker detection and response to any new disease.

Meanwhile Photoacoustic systems are built on the conventional ultrasound imaging platform; the only additional cost is of the light source. As such, the cost to a patient is comparable to an ultrasound scan. This artificial intelligence-augmented photoacoustic imaging technique is an advancement in cancer diagnostics.

Read the full article: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-tech/cutting-edge-of-medical-imaging/article34866758.ece