New imaging technology at St. Francis takes aim at prostate cancer

INDIANAPOLIS – Physicians at Franciscan/St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers have a new imaging tool that helps them to more precisely diagnose and pinpoint prostate tumors and their size.

It’s called VividLook®, a software package from iCAD used in tandem with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It provides a more reliable means of visualizing the presence and pattern of contrast in the prostate. These colorized images and additional data assist clinicians in effectively finding potential cancers and communicating available treatment options to patients.

St. Francis is the only hospital system in central Indiana to make use of VividLook. Four patients have undergone screening since this advanced image analysis technology was acquired.

Prostate cancer traditionally has been evaluated by digital rectal examination in combination with other clinical data including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and other pathologic information. Often patients with a high PSA receive a random biopsy of the prostate

PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. It is normal for men to have a low level of PSA in their blood; however, prostate cancer and some benign conditions can increase a man’s PSA level.

Prostate cancer can be difficult to diagnose, said St. Francis radiologist Jason Mullinix, M.D., who is a member of Radiology Associates of Indianapolis. “With technology like MRI and advanced image analysis such as VividLook, we can more accurately localize and stage the prostate cancer while potentially minimizing the number of biopsies a patient may require.”

VividLook does not replace the need for biopsy. Rather, it’s helpful for patients who are concerned they may have cancer due to an elevated PSA and/or an abnormal digital rectal exam, but whose biopsies have come back negative.

“Previously, a rectal probe had to be inserted to acquire images,” Mullinix said. “With new MRI hardware recently acquired by St. Francis, there is no longer a need for this uncomfortable device, nor X-ray radiation. Only a small IV needs to be started. Otherwise, the patient rests comfortably on their back during the exam.”

Contrast enhancement of MR images is difficult to assess without advanced image analysis. The additional data and colorized images assist clinicians in effectively finding potential cancers and communicating available treatment options to patients.

###

About Franciscan/St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers

Franciscan/St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has three hospitals in Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville and operates more than 40 medical facilities throughout south-central Indiana, including the Plainfield Health Center. St. Francis Hospital is part of a network of 13 hospital campuses in Indiana and Illinois, owned and operated by the Mishawaka-based Franciscan Alliance (formerly Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc)., one of the largest health-care systems in Indiana. To learn more about St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org.

About iCAD, Inc.

iCAD, Inc. is an industry-leading provider of advanced image analysis and workflow solutions that enable healthcare professionals to better serve patients by identifying pathologies and pinpointing cancer earlier. iCAD offers a comprehensive range of high-performance, upgradeable Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) systems and workflow solutions for mammography (film-based, digital radiography and computed radiography), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT). Since receiving FDA approval for the Company’s first breast cancer detection product in 2002, more than 4,000 iCAD systems have been placed in healthcare practices worldwide. iCAD’s solutions aid in the early detection of the most prevalent cancers including breast, prostate, colon and in the future lung cancer. For more information, call (877) iCADnow or visit www.icadmed.com.