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3-in-1 optical skin cancer probe

Researchers have developed a 3-in-1 optical probe that combines spectroscopic techniques to detect cancerous skin lesions. The device may reduce unnecessary biopsies by providing a clear picture of which skin lesions are most likely cancerous, potentially saving lives.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateAug 5, 2014

African American women with breast cancer less likely to have newer, recommended surgical procedure

Research from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that African American women with early-stage invasive breast cancer were 12% less likely to receive axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy, a minimally invasive technique. The study also showed that those who received older, more invasive axillary lymph node dissection ...

Moffitt Cancer Center pioneers worldwide standard in diagnosing melanoma

Sentinel node biopsy has significantly improved 10-year disease-free survival rates and melanoma-free survival for melanoma patients, reducing the need for extensive lymph node surgery. The procedure has become a worldwide standard in diagnosing melanoma, thanks to Moffitt Cancer Center's pioneering role in its development and teaching.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 10, 2014

Biopsies before transplantation do not determine success of donated kidneys

Studies found that biopsied kidney injuries were modestly associated with delay in organ function, but only for donor kidneys already at high risk. However, there was a large degree of overlap between discarded and transplanted kidneys, suggesting low-quality biopsies may be used to make acceptance decisions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 20, 2014

Study shows in vivo endomicroscopy improves detection of Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasia

A new study shows that in vivo endomicroscopy improves the detection of Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasia when used with high-definition white-light endoscopy, reducing unnecessary mucosal biopsies and potentially changing patient care. The approach involves real-time endoscopic diagnosis and imaging-guided therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 19, 2014

Inflammation in prostate may reduce cancer risk

A study published online in Cancer found that increased inflammation in the prostate gland may predict a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. The study's findings suggest that biopsies performed on prostates with high inflammation levels may indicate a lower risk for subsequent cancer detection.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalCancer·DateDec 9, 2013

Celiac disease patients with ongoing intestine damage at lymphoma risk

Patients with celiac disease who have persistent intestine damage are at a higher risk of developing lymphoma compared to those whose intestines have healed, according to new research. The study found that the risk of lymphoma is significantly lower in patients with healed intestines, approaching that of the general population.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 5, 2013

More than one-third of Texas women still receive unnecessary breast biopsy surgery

A study published in Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that 35% of Texas women diagnosed with a breast mass between 2000 and 2008 underwent unnecessary surgical biopsies. This represents thousands of women who had surgery unnecessarily, while also driving up healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 17, 2013

Breakthrough for IVF?

Researchers have developed a method to identify embryos with chromosomal abnormalities using time-lapse imaging and morphokinetic analysis, avoiding invasive biopsies. This approach has shown significant improvements in implantation and live birth rates when low-risk embryos are transferred.

SourceElsevier·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·DateMay 16, 2013

Personalizing prostate cancer screenings

A new study from Northwestern University suggests that personalized PSA testing can help reduce the number of men who undergo unnecessary biopsies. Genetic correction of PSA levels using genetic variants has been shown to change the outcome for 17 men, and could potentially prevent 15-20% of prostate biopsies annually.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 24, 2013

Personalizing prostate specific antigen testing may improve specificity, reduce biopsies

A new study reveals that correcting PSA levels for genetic variants can significantly reduce unnecessary biopsies and false complacency. By tailoring screening levels to an individual's genetic makeup, the risk of prostate cancer can be more accurately assessed. This approach has the potential to prevent up to 15% to 20% of biopsies.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 14, 2013

Targeted prostate biopsy has potential to improve diagnosis of prostate cancer

A new targeted prostate biopsy technique using magnetic resonance ultrasound fusion has been shown to improve diagnosis of prostate cancer and aid in selecting patients for active surveillance. The study found that the biopsies identified 90 out of 171 men with prostate cancer, highlighting its potential as a more accurate and efficien...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 10, 2012