Scanners weapon against tumours

British researchers say they have developed a new technique which could improve the accuracy and effectiveness of radiotherapy treatments for cancers and reduce harmful side-effects.

It combines two widely used scanning techniques to create computer-generated images of cancerous tumours.

Dr Peter Hoskin, a clinical oncologist at Mt Vernon Hospital in Middlesex, southern England, who helped to develop the technique, said it would initially be used for radiotherapy for prostate-cancer patients, but it could help treat other tumours, particularly in the pelvis, head and neck.



The technique combines the best of computed tomography, which gives a good location of a tumour in the body, and magnetic resonance imaging, which shows plenty of detail.

Together they will provide the exact size, shape and location of the tumour and allow doctors to concentrate radiation treatment more accurately and maximise the dose to the tumour while avoiding hitting healthy cells or tissue.



Up to half of all cancer patients will undergo radiotherapy during their treatment, so the technique could have wide applications.

Next year Dr Hoskin and his team hope to use it for brachytherapy, a treatment for prostate cancer that involves inserting very fine radioactive needles in the walnut-size gland.

Prostate cancer is the second-commonest cancer in men, and the radiotherapy must be precise so it does not damage nearby organs.

Dr Lesley Walker, of the British Cancer Research Campaign, which is paying for the research, said the technique could herald a brighter future for many cancer patients.

- REUTERS