"The radiation oncologist fuses 3D ultrasound images to CT images, to make a better plan from the onset than could have been achieved using the CT images alone," says Falco. "Similarly, before each treatment, therapists compare the initial 3D ultrasound with a daily ultrasound to get an actual visual image and location of the tumor cavity and correct for any motion or change in shape of the cavity. This ensures delivery of radiation to the targeted area, and ensures sparing of the healthy tissue surrounding it," he says.

The system can cost anywhere between $300,000 and $500,000, depending on the configuration.


A scientific presentation at the recent National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC) Conference featured the latest research on Warm Bath Ultrasound (WBU) technology from TechniScan Medical Systems Inc., an Ohio-based developer of automated ultrasound imaging systems.

With the use of the machine developed by the company, WBU technology captures 3D images of the breast as the woman lies on the table with the breast of interest submerged in a warm tank of water.

"Whole breast ultrasound in use today uses a reflection ultrasound to develop the picture. What TechniScan is doing that is revolutionary is using a transmission ultrasound that uses speed of sound and sound attenuation as it travels through the breast," says Tracy Harden, director of marketing and communications for TechniScan. "The result is that we give three different quantitative pictures of the breast using speed of sound, reflection and attenuation. It's a true 3D image of the breast," she says.

WBU technology is currently in study throughout U.S. and European locations. The company has filed an application with the FDA for marketing clearance of the system.

Turning Up the Heat
High intensity focus ultrasound or HIFU is a forthcoming technology in the ultrasound industry. It uses high levels of heat to destroy unhealthy tissue.

FDA clinical trials are currently underway for the Sonablate 500, an image-guided acoustic ablation device for prostate disease therapy. The product is manufactured by US HIFU, a North Carolina-based health care company, focused on treating primary and recurrent prostate cancer.

The Sonablate 500 is currently undergoing trials at the NYU Cancer Institute among other sites. The study started last summer and will enroll 20 participants before its conclusion.




"The machine works by concentrating several ultrasound beams on a single target. In our case, the target is a prostate gland," says Dr. William Huang, assistant professor of urologic oncology at the NYU School of Medicine. "A transrectal probe is used to visualize the prostate cancer but also treat the gland. The single focus of the ultrasound beams produce tremendous heat at the target area while leaving healthy nearby tissue untouched," he says.

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