Sunday, October 20, 2013

Cancer Research & The Potential Importance Of MRI

By Rob Sutter


Cancer research can be assisted by a number of methods but would one ever think about the idea of MRIs being put into effect? This seems to be the case, according to Science Daily, and it's the kind of concept that has been more than able to bring a great amount of focus onto this particular field of research. Being able to transmit a number of helpful drugs through this method has potential. That very potential pushed me to read on and go on to learn more.

I thought that the usage of MRI navigational technology was an interesting one because it could potentially bring great treatments to the brain. The article said that, with technology put into place, neurosurgeons would be able to transmit Toca 511, which is an investigational gene therapy. This is great for cancer research because now it seems like a virus meant to target the tumor can now be utilized. Seeing as how it's more susceptible to treatment, organizations like Voices against Brain Cancer should take notice.

For those who are unfamiliar with Toca 511, it's a very interesting concept. Basically, it's an engineered retrovirus which is meant to replicate within cancer cells, glioblastoma being a great example to talk about. Toca 511 has the potential to convert an anti-fungal drug into an anti-cancer drug. Cancer cells would, in theory, become destroyed once Toca FC comes into contact with them. If this theory is proven correct, then it may lead to better findings that can be uncovered later on down the road.

Chemotherapy is one idea to talk about but I don't know if it is the best method that can help patients. The article talked about this in detail, saying that this procedure can leave cells exposed to drug usage, which means that side effects that are unwanted could come about. However, with a method that is far more direct by comparison, one doesn't have to concern themselves with the side effects in question. This sounds like a better alternative in the long term, in my mind.

MRIs have been utilized for a number of medical purposes outside of cancer research and it's clear that they're not going to fade away anytime soon. I feel as though this is for the best since there are many ways in which they can be used and I'm sure that some methods have not even been found yet. This type of research is easily one of the most detailed and researchers will be able to tell you the same. The idea of better transition methods coming into play is a great one.




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