Eight Studies Presented at the Annual RSNA Meeting Demonstrate Value of Only
FDA Approved CAD System for Lung Nodule Detection with Chest CT
CHICAGO, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- R2 Technology, Inc., the developer of the
only FDA approved computer-aided detection (CAD) system for use with chest
multi-detector CT (MDCT), today announced it has received the Frost & Sullivan
Medical Imaging Product of the Year Award in recognition of its
ImageChecker(R)CT system for the computer-aided detection (CAD) of potentially
cancerous lung lesions.
The impact of CAD on the evaluation of chest CT exams is also the focus of
eight research papers accepted for presentation here at the 90th Scientific
Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America
(RSNA), November 28-December 2. These papers join a growing body of research
demonstrating the value of R2's CAD technology that can improve radiologist
accuracy and efficiency in interpreting these studies.
According to Frost & Sullivan, the Image Checker CT system is the latest
in a series of innovations from R2 Technology, which is widely considered a
leader in computer-aided detection technology. R2 Technology was the first
company to gain FDA approval for its mammography CAD system. In addition, R2
Technology has followed with a constant stream of product improvements that
enhance the functionality, user-friendliness, and clinical efficacy of the
company's products.
Early lung cancer often presents as nodules and can be difficult to detect
in its early stages. A research study demonstrated that use of the
ImageChecker CT CAD system can significantly (p=.003) increase the detection
of actionable solid lung nodules by reducing oversights by calling attention
to potential abnormalities.
"R2 Technology has always focused singly on developing breakthrough
technology to improve the early detection of disease, so we were already proud
of bringing the first FDA approved CAD system for use with chest MDCT to
market," said William J. Mercer, president and CEO of R2 Technology. "As the
ImageChecker CT system continues to receive external validation, such as being
named the medical imaging product of the year by from Frost & Sullivan, we
fully expect this important technology to have the same impact on lung disease
as CAD has on the early detection of breast cancer."
R2's CAD algorithms examine the CT study in 3-D and automatically detect
potential areas of interest, increasing physician accuracy by decreasing
observational oversights. Through workflow-enhancing tools, automatic
measurement and characterization information of the detected lung nodules, the
ImageChecker CT workstation is designed to improve radiologist efficiency in
reviewing chest CT exams, whereas the CAD software is designed to improve
accuracy in detection of solid lung nodule.
One of the studies, conducted at the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris,
examined the impact on the sensitivity of detecting lung nodules on MDCT
exams. Titled "Computer-aided detection (CAD) of lung nodules on high-
resolution MDCT screening exams," the study demonstrated that CAD increases
the sensitivity of all observers in detecting lung nodules on MDCT.
Additionally, the study showed that the sensitivity of an observer combined
with CAD is estimated to be five to 10 percent higher on average than the
combination of two independent observers.
Several of the studies also looked at the importance of temporal
information in the clinical management of lung nodules, and the benefits of R2
Technology's automated CAD system for detecting, tracking and measuring
nodules. A software package for use with the ImageChecker CT system during
review of MDCT chest exams, which includes temporal comparison, has been
cleared by the FDA and will be available in 2005.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United
States in both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, the
disease claims 155,000 lives a year. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports
that many early stage lung cancers are diagnosed incidentally, as a result of
imaging studies requested for an unrelated medical condition. Only about 15
percent of lung cancers are found in the early stages. Improving the early
detection of lung cancer could help improve the survival rate for this deadly
disease.
About R2 Technology, Inc.
R2 Technology, Inc., headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a recognized
leader in the development and commercialization of computer-aided detection
(CAD), an innovative technology that assists radiologists in the early
detection of breast cancer, actionable lung nodules and other lung
abnormalities. As a medical software company, R2 Technology is developing CAD
systems for a variety of imaging modalities and disease states. R2 received
the 2004 Frost and Sullivan Product of the Year award. For information, visit
http://www.r2tech.com.
ImageChecker is a registered trademark of R2 Technology, Inc.
SOURCE R2 Technology, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.r2tech.com
CONTACT:
Chris K. Joseph of R2 Technology, Inc.,
+1-510-339-2293, cjoseph@r2tech.com
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