Mary's BioBlog: March 2011

Canada

, as a country, isn’t famous for its contributions to medical technology. More and more each day, scientists and researchers around the world discover and develop a new type of technology, which give us a deeper understanding of our internal body systems and their characteristics. Recently, Canada has been more than willing to contribute its share. In fact, one of its companies, called ART (Advanced Research Technologies Inc.), developed a new type of device used to screen for breast cancer. This new device is called SoftScan, and it has its list of disadvantages and advantages.

“According to the Canadian Cancer Society, more than 22,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and an estimated 5,300 will die from the disease. Conventional mammographies miss up to 30 percent of cancers." Traditional anatomical breast imaging, such as mammography. does not capture the biochemistry, physiology, or the patient's response to therapy until the anatomy changes. It has so called 'blind spots' that limit its capabilities.

SoftScan by ART

SoftScan, on the other hand uses near-infrared light, combined with time domain technology, to obtain 3D images in place of mammography. SoftScan images characterize tissue on the basis of cellular structure and tissue blood perfusion. The SoftScan device is comprised of: an optical acquisition station, and a review workstation.

Slowly, SoftScan is proving to be more convenient than the original mammography, still used today to screen for breast cancer. SoftScan's high specificity allows health professionals to locate tumours which are either 'benign or malignant.' The device could also reduce the number of painful and often unnecessary biopses currently performed following suspicious mammograms. These biopses can cost up to one billion dollars a year! Also, SoftScan doesn't emit ionizing radiation, so any number of scans can be done without risk. Compared to mammography, this is great, considering the fact that mammography use is limited. As a treatment-monitoring tool, SoftScan can allow specialists to see immediately is a course of action is working and then adjust or interrupt treatment. This itself could lead to: shorter treatments, less suffering for patients, better results and lower costs for the health care system.

Without a doubt, SoftScam continues to have advantages for patients, health care professionals, and health care providers. Currently, Sunnybrook is the first health centre to purchase a SoftScan imaging system since ART received regulatory approval from Health Canada for the commercialization of its optical breast imaging device.

As more time passes, the closer we get to reaching a better understanding of our lives, our world, and our human bodies. Though Canada may be a 'late bloomer' when it comes to contributing to medical technology, there's never a moment too late to start. Understanding our internal body systems is key to our future. It can make the difference between for many people as we are getting closer and closer to our ultimate goal. With a better understanding, we can have the power to save multiple lives.