Tuesday 21st October
Please note: this imaging is currently available on cervical cancer trials only. A list of UK cervical cancer trials can be found at Cancerbackup and CancerHelp.
The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden Hospital have developed a new imaging technique which locates previously undetectable early stage cervical cancers, according to research published in Radiology today (October 21).
The pilot study, funded by Cancer Research UK, found the new imaging technology identified small tumours, reducing the need for radical surgery which could lead to infertility.
Lead researcher Professor Nandita deSouza from The Institute of Cancer Research said the study was extremely optimistic.
"As cervical cancers are usually identified at a very early stage through screening, our imaging technology can localise them and determine the size of the tumour. We can use this information to plan less radical surgery, preserving as much of the uterus and the cervix as possible," she said.
"With conventional scanning techniques, small tumours are harder to identify or to differentiate from scar tissue, particularly if the patient has had a recent biopsy. In these cases, conventional imaging can overestimate the level of cancer within the cervix and result in major surgery leading to infertility.
"The quality of the information from the images produced using this new method has allowed us to identify and define smaller tumours more accurately, helping us to make decisions on surgery.
"Advancements in scanning and screening techniques for cervical cancer are vital in treatment planning to reduce the number of women who require hysterectomies for cancer treatment."
The pilot study focussed on 59 women between the ages of 24 and 83 over a period of 22 months.
Prof deSouza said one of the major successes of this work was the exploitation of the diffusion of water around cells in cancer tissue to produce the image, a technique called 'diffusion weighted imaging'. This significantly improves the level of contrast between developing tumours and the surrounding tissues.
The new imaging technique involved the use of a vaginal probe to capture images of the cervix which created a much higher image resolution compared to a traditional external pelvic scan.
Encouragingly, researchers found that 88 per cent of tumours could be detected using an internal probe and diffusion-weighted imaging compared with only 77 per cent of the same tumours found using the existing external technique.
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, said: "This small study is extremely promising and provides a clear rationale for more extensive studies.
"Cancer Research UK has identified imaging research as a priority and we have invested £50 million over five years, in partnership with other funding bodies, to help us achieve our aim of improving the detection and diagnosis of cancer through this exciting field of cancer research."
Around 2,700 women are diagnosed each year in the UK making it the second most common cancer in women under 35.
Approximately 1,000 women die from cervical cancer in the UK every year.
About 4.4 million women are invited for cervical cancer screening each year in England between the ages of 25 and 60.
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Krista Eleftheriou, 02071535430 or 07721 747 900
Notes for editors
- Diffusion weighted imaging relies on Brownian motion of water within tissues and it allows us to measure this by quantifying the ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) which indicates the degree of restriction of water diffusion within tissues.
- Images of this technique and cervical cancer scans are available upon request.
- Diffusion weighted imaging relies on Brownian motion of water within tissues and it allows us to measure this by quantifying the ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) which indicates the degree of restriction of water diffusion within tissues.
- Images of this technique and cervical cancer scans are available upon request.
- The patent for the endo-vaginal imaging coil is currently held by Philips HealthcareTM. This is currently only available for research purposes.
About The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden Hospital
- The Institute of Cancer Research is Europe’s leading cancer research centre with expert scientists working on cutting edge research. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. For more information visit www.icr.ac.uk.
- The Institute is a charity that relies on voluntary income. The Institute is one of the world’s most cost-effective major cancer research organisations with over 95p in every £ of total income directly supporting research.
- The Royal Marsden Hospital was the first hospital in the world dedicated to cancer treatment and research into the causes of cancer. A world leader in research, drug trialling and diagnostics, The Royal Marsden provides inpatient, day care and outpatient services for all areas of cancer treatment. The Royal Marsden is supported by its charity, The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign.
About Cancer Research UK
- Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.
- Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
- Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.
- Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.
- Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.