Standard imaging techniques, such as PET and CT scans, are used to assess the development of cancer in children. However, these imaging methods can expose children to radiation that increases their risk of secondary cancers later in life. Now, new research has detailed a new whole-body imaging technique that could eliminate this risk.
In a study recently published in The Lancet Oncology, researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine in California tested a new whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique.
The imaging method uses ferumoxytol - an iron supplement - to enhance the visibility of tumors. Ferumoxytol is made up of tiny superparamagnetic iron oxide particles that are detected with MRI.
The research team, led by Dr. Heike Daldrup-Link, notes that computed tomography (CT) and 18F-fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scans are the main techniques used to see what stage cancers are at and to determine the best treatment method.
But Dr. Daldrup-Link says previous research has demonstrated the secondary cancer risks associated with these techniques.
According to the study background, ionizing radiation - high frequency radiation that has enough energy to damage cells' DNA - in early childhood has been shown to triple the risk of lifetime cancer, compared with adults exposed to the radiation from the age of 30.
Furthermore, the investigators note that cumulative radiation exposure from diagnostic CT scans may almost triple the risk of secondary leukemia and brain cancer later in life.
Dr. Daldrup-Link points out that children are much more sensitive to radiation than adults, and they are more likely to experience secondary cancers because they will live for a longer period after exposure.
No comments:
Post a Comment