VisionGate has declared that it would be presenting data, which would show how the LuCED test if used adjunctively could enhance the value of low dose x-ray computed tomography (CT) screening in early detection of lung cancer occurrence in high risk patients.
The LuCED utilizes Cell-CT. which is a VisionGate developed revolutionary automated 3D cell imaging platform. This platform would create high-resolution three-dimensional bio-signatures from intact cells utilizing a sputum sample.
The presentation would be made at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), which would be held on 7th July 2011 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm CEST in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This is the 14th World Conference on Lung Cancer.
Using the LuCED as an adjunct to CT screening has been proposed due to the results obtained from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) of over 53,000 former and current heavy smokers which revealed that low dose helical CT screening had decreased the number of deaths related to lung cancer by 20% when compared to traditional chest x-rays. These results were published in the online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine on 29th June 2011.
One major barrier in implementing the mass screening programs is the high rate of false positive results, which are seen from the study, need follow up care which would mean unnecessary invasive procedures for patients and also add burden on the healthcare system. In the presentation, patient management protocols for the non-invasive and effective usage of LuCED to confirm those cases, which are true positive and reduce the number of cases that are false positives.
Dr. Claudia Henschke, who serves as a leader of the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program, also as a lung cancer researcher at the Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute and a practicing physician at New York City’s Mount Sinai Medical Center, revealed that currently, most patients who are diagnosed with lung cancer die in the US. The NLST study results established that the CT scans could detect lung cancers at their earliest stage due to which 92% of these cases could be cured. The LuCED technology has shown great promise and would radically increase the possibility of using widespread screening of high risk patients. Initially, it would be used as an adjunct to enhance the CT scan results and ultimately may be used as a primary screening tool provided the additional trials prove to be successful, Henschke said.
VisionGate’s President, Scarlett Spring stated that the NLST study’s remarkable results would provide a valuable initial indication for the LuCED test. According to her, the combination of LuCED diagnostics with CT screening would greatly reduce lung cancer deaths and at the same time would make mass screening affordable and feasible.
Source: http://www.visiongate3d.com