Researchers have developed an experimental protein-based MRI contrast agent that targets collagen found at elevated levels in aggressive lung tumors.
In animal studies, it detected tumors and hidden metastases as small as 1 millimeter without the ionizing radiation used in CT scans. Even more intriguing, the images may reveal clues about how aggressive a tumor is and how likely it is to spread. The technology is not yet approved for patients, but researchers are working toward human clinical trials. If successful, it could help doctors find lung cancer earlier, guide treatment, and potentially reduce the need for some invasive biopsies.
Could this be the future of early cancer detection?
Read more about the research: New MRI Agent Detects Lung Cancer, Hidden Metastases Earlier Than Current Scans
