The scientific study concerns patients before surgery and before the implementation of the treatment procedure
The significance of modern imaging technologies in breast cancer diagnosis
In Poland and worldwide, breast cancer poses a significant health challenge, affecting thousands of women annually. Early diagnosis and accurate assessment of disease progression are crucial for effective treatment. Fortunately, modern imaging technologies such as positron emission tomography combined with magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR) and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMR) enable more precise and comprehensive evaluation of tumor spread.
Traditional diagnostic methods like X-rays (RTG) or ultrasound (USG) may have limitations in detecting cancer metastases. Despite their value, these methods can be less accurate compared to PET/CT or PET/MR, which offer higher sensitivity and specificity. PET/MR, for instance, allows simultaneous whole-body assessment with lower ionizing radiation exposure than PET/CT.
Eligibility
If you qualify for our research project, you will have the opportunity to undergo the most advanced imaging studies currently available. This could contribute to a more precise diagnosis of breast cancer staging and identification of any metastases, which is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
To participate in the project, please contact BioScanner either in person, by phone, or via email. Our specialists will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, such as disease stage and overall health. Upon qualification, you will schedule a visit to the BioScanner clinic in Białystok, where you will sign necessary documents. PET/CT and PET/MR scans will provide a comprehensive assessment of your health. After the scans, you will receive results in the form of stored images and electronic reports.
Modern imaging methods like PET/MR and WBMR offer higher diagnostic accuracy compared to traditional tests. By participating in our research project, you have the opportunity to benefit from the latest advancements in medicine, which could be crucial in determining the optimal therapeutic pathway.
The time required for the examinations
The first diagnostic examination will be conducted no later than 7 days after enrollment in the project. In practice, all examinations can be completed within one day. All patients in the project will undergo PET/MR and PET/CT scans. On the same day, there is the option to undergo a WBMR (whole-body magnetic resonance) scan for patients qualified into the study group. Alternatively, the WBMR scan can be performed the day before or at another scheduled time, but no later than 14 days after enrollment into the study. All examinations are conducted swiftly and efficiently to minimize patient stress and provide results promptly, ensuring the treatment process proceeds smoothly.
Qualification criteria for the study:
- Preliminary diagnosis of breast cancer at stage IIA or higher according to the TNM AJCC staging system.
- Good overall health according to WHO standards.
- Completion of initial standard diagnostics assessing the stage of the condition for appropriate therapy.
- Diagnosis based on cytological or histopathological examination.
- No prior initiation of therapeutic procedures.
Exclusion criteria from the study:
- Presence of another malignant tumor in the patient.
- Prior initiation of treatment for the primary disease.
- Terminal condition of the patient.
- Metal implants or foreign metal bodies that prevent undergoing MR imaging on a 3T scanner.
- Claustrophobia.
- Body weight that prevents PET/MR imaging.
- Lack of patient cooperation preventing the completion of lengthy imaging studies.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Contact information:
phone number: 85 500 10 21
email: pet-rejestracja@bioskaner.eu
We strive to ensure that every woman has access to the best possible diagnostics and medical care.
