The importance of early detection of cancer is indisputable, and small
tumors are usually detected in routine radiographic scanning of the human
body. Current radiographic equipment is limited in its detection
capability by the limited contrast difference exhibited by malignant and
benign tissues under given radiation doses. Our efforts to improve early
cancer detection:
A novel digital mammography
sensor for clinical use is developed,
within a project of the European Commission. It is based on a large area
gas avalanche imaging photomultiplier, combining a visible photocathode
and an advanced gaseous micropattern electron multiplier.
A multidisciplinary research
with biologists and organic chemists at
the Weizmann Institute is attempting to improve detectability of small
tumors, by enhancing their contrast under x-ray radiography. It involves,
on the one hand, the development of new contrast agents, specifically
delivered to cancerous tissue, and on the other hand, the improvement of
radiographic methods and concepts.
The contrast agent injected into the tissue accumulates in the tumor,
enableing smaller tumors to be identified using lower doses of x-rays.
An example of contrast enhancement radiography. Here the contrast agent concentrates
in the mouse liver.
A digital radioigram of a mouse with a tumor. The mouse has been injected with an Iodine compound which was targetad at a tumor (located on the right leg). This compound is also seen to concentrate in the thyroid gland and kidneys.
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