Tumour treatment technology

Siemens Medical Solutions and Chongqing Haifu (Haifu) Technology are collaborating to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy system.

This combined technology aims to provide a high level of diagnostic accuracy and image-guided therapy. The main applications of this system will focus on women's health treatments including benign uterine fibroids and cancer, as well as malignant and benign tumours of the liver, kidney, pancreas and bone.

"Combining Siemens' MRI technology with Haifu's clinical expertise in non-invasive, fast HIFU protocols will further the ability to identify and treat tumours, improving care options for doctors and patients alike," said Nancy Gillen, vice president, MRI Division, Siemens Medical Solutions, adding that the ability to accurately see the diseased area allows for earlier treatment.

The combination of MRI and HIFU enables improved visualisation of tumour morphology and more precise thermal dose control, designed to reduce current treatment times. Further developments involve MRI applications for diagnosis, therapy planning and outcome assessment. Patient treatment will be performed on a special HIFU patient bed inside the bore of Siemens' MRI scanners. Ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids is expected to take considerably less time than with traditional technology.

HIFU technology overcomes traditional limitations, as it can visualise and treat large tissue volumes in a short matter of time. It is currently used with ultrasound guiding technology.