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THE FUTURE OF BREAST CANCER CARE THE ADVANCED IMAGING capabilities offered by University Radiology Associates, LLP, allow the imaging center to provide a superior level of care for a broad range of conditions. One of the most notable imaging services offered by the center is positron emission mammography (PEM). For women across the area, this advanced imaging technique is one more option in the fight against breast cancer. Similar to positron emission tomography (PET) scanning University Radiology Associates diagnostic radiologists (L–R): Leonard Hojnowski, M.D.; Hal Cohen, M.D.; and Joseph Inzinna, M.D. techniques, PEM scans employ fluorine-18 deoxyglucose as a radioactive marker to visualize how a patient's body metabolizes glucose. Using PEM imaging, it is possible to visibly identify areas of higher glucose consumption, which could indicate a potential malignant tumor. Beyond identifying cancerous lesions, PEM technology allows physicians to biopsy suspicious areas, guiding them directly to tumor sites, which results in quicker, more rapid procedures. "PEM imaging can detect breast tumors as small as 2 millimeters," explains Deepa Masrani, M.D., clinical associ- ate professor of women's imaging at SUNY Upstate Medical University. "The sensitivity of this imaging modality allows for more rapid detection and intervention with breast cancer cases. For women in the community, the investment we have made in this technology translates into a greater chance of defeating breast cancer." From a therapeutic standpoint, PEM technology plays a A University Radiology Associates R.N. takes patient vitals prior to a procedure. comprehensive picture of a tumor or lesion in real time. From a diagnostic standpoint, the GE PET/CT scanner provides physicians all means necessary to identify suspected malignant tumors early, which can lead to earlier intervention and more positive patient outcomes. "The remarkable ability of the GE scanner to show the most current view of a tumor's size and function has tremendous implications in terms of cancer care," says David Feiglin, M.D., FACR, professor and Chairman of Radiology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. "In addition to helping physicians locate tumors and lesions, the scanner also provides us with real-time feedback regarding the success of cancer treatment." Based on the nuclear medicine principles of PET scanning techniques, the GE scanner can effectively relay the amount of glucose metabolized by a tumor. Using this clinical data, physicians can assess the success of a treatment plan in real time. In terms of chemotherapy treatment, PET scanning enables physicians to determine the effectiveness of care more quickly, allowing for more efficient adjustment in treatment and more successful care. "The ability to quantify a tumor's activity has a tremendous bearing on the application of therapeutic options," explains Andrzej Krol, Ph.D., DABR, associate professor of radiology vital role in assessing the impact of breast cancer treatments. Because PEM is based on the visualization of glucose metabo- lism, changes in these levels can indicate the effectiveness of cancer treatment. If a tumor responds well to chemotherapy, the level of metabolism will be lower, which is reflected on the PEM scan. In terms of developing breast cancer treatment plans, PEM can determine the effectiveness of a treatment more quickly than other modalities, allowing physicians and patients the time necessary to alter treatment. MAKING A DIFFERENCE In Central New York, University Radiology Associates' PEM technology has put diagnostic imaging care on par with some of the world's leading medical facilities. The investment in PEM technology has helped increase breast cancer detection rates and improved patient outcomes by refining therapeutic processes. From detection to recovery, University Radiology Associates has provided women in the area with an unparal- leled level of excellence in mammography care. "Offering women in our community the best options for diagnostic and therapeutic care remains a top priority," says Dr. Masrani. "Our facility continually works to identify tech- nological advances, and then works to bring these modalities into the community. Promoting this advanced level of service establishes our practice as a national leader in radiology care." MDNEWS.COM MD NEWS Central New York | 7 PHOTOS COURTESY OF RADIOLOGY ASSOCIATES, LLP