Researchers are reporting encouraging early results for an
experimental MRI contrast agent designed to help identify lung cancer
at much smaller sizes. The protein-based agent, called
hProCA32.Collagen2, was able to reveal tumors and metastases as small
as about one millimeter in animal studies.
The contrast agent targets collagen type I, a material that can be
abundant in aggressive cancers. That targeting may allow MRI scans to
provide information not only about the presence of a tumor but also
about biological characteristics associated with its aggressiveness.
MRI does not use ionizing radiation, which makes the approach
particularly interesting for repeated imaging. Researchers believe a
more sensitive MRI tool could eventually complement existing
lung-cancer screening and monitoring methods.
The work remains experimental and the findings do not mean the
contrast agent is ready for routine patient care. Additional studies
will be needed to determine safety, dosing and whether the results
seen in animals translate to people.
Earlier detection is particularly important in lung cancer because
treatment options and outcomes can improve when disease is found
before it has spread widely. Researchers are also interested in
whether collagen-targeted imaging could help physicians monitor
changes in tumors during treatment.
The technology is being developed by InLighta BioSciences and was
highlighted Tuesday in a Reuters review of emerging medical research.
If future human trials are successful, the approach could potentially
reduce uncertainty in imaging and help guide more personalized
treatment decisions.
