What is it about?
This study aims to reduce or possibly eliminate the use of contrast medium needed for CT imaging to identify the target region for surgical removal in the organ by using non-invasive CT thermometry. Through the experimentation on bovine liver samples, the association between tissue temperature and CT number counts are observed. Cancer patients, particularly those with liver cancer receiving hyperthermia treatment, are to benefit through this research. Support and more comprehensive data on CT images and tumour conditions are required from physicians/radiologist/radiographer/medical physicist for further investigation and perfecting this research.
Featured Image
Photo by Walter Otto on Unsplash
Why is it important?
The existing procedure used in the evaluation of unresectable liver tumours relies heavily on visual inspection of contrasted CT image. Though widely practiced, this procedure has shown cases of patients being allergic to the medium, and the process tends to cause patient discomfort. Hence, the development of a CT-tissue temperature conversion model as an alternative tool could provide attending physicians the additional information of the target region as well as expedite patient recovery due to its non-invasive nature. The outcome of this research could potentially alter the current hyperthermia treatment procedures for cancer patients.
Perspectives
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and the fourth most common cause of death in Malaysia. Iodinated contrast used in CT scan has mild side effects including nausea and vomiting, headache, itching, flushing, mild skin rash or hives and can also trigger a life-threatening reaction in a few cases. A new approach is required to improve the diagnosis and to reduce the reliance of drug with side effects for cancer patients as well as improving treatment efficacy. This research will further need to engage with radiologists to acquire more real patient data for analysis and proof of concept and also with CT-scanner manufacturer for collaboration, which may benefit the study and treatment outcome. In compliance with the UN’s third Sustainable Development Goal, this study aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages through the improvement of existing medical procedures.
Ir Dr KOK SING LIM
University of Malaya
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Correlation between CT Number shift and tissue temperature change during radiofrequency ablation: an ex-vivo study using bovine liver, Journal of Physics Conference Series, June 2019, Institute of Physics Publishing,
DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1248/1/012039.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
