Renal cell carcinoma
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans provide an image of the soft tissues in the body using radio waves and strong magnets. MRI can be used instead of CT if the patient exhibits an allergy to the contrast media administered for the test. Sometimes prior to the MRI scan, an intravenous injection of a contrasting material called gadolinium is given to allow for a more detailed image. Patients on dialysis or those who have renal insufficiency should avoid this contrasting material as it may induce a rare, yet severe, side effect known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. A bone scan or brain imaging is not routinely performed unless signs or symptoms suggest potential metastatic involvement of these areas.
MRI scans should also be considered to evaluate tumour extension which has grown in major blood vessels, including the vena cava, in the abdomen. MRI can be used to observe the possible spread of cancer to the brain or spinal cord should the patient present symptoms that suggest this might be the case.
TeraView
Due in part to its ability to recognize spectral fingerprints, terahertz pulsed imaging can be applied to provide contrast between different types of soft tissue. Also, it is a sensitive means of detecting the degree of water content and markers of cancer and other diseases. Attempts have been made to apply Terahertz to image cancers like breast, cancer as well as other diseases in medicine, oral health care, and related areas. The company announced it has been cleared by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to trial "in-vivo" terahertz spectroscopy for bio-medical research. The trials will be held in Guy's Hospital in London and aim to determine if the technology can be applied real-time for accurate removal of cancer tissue.