Technology in the pipeline to measure the potential success of radiation therapy

Technology is being developed to predict the effectiveness of radiation therapy.

Specific technology is being developed to help determine how successful radiation therapy is likely to be for individual cancer patients.
Initially, the molecular signature index technology will be focused on rectal cancer where preoperative radiotherapy is normal procedure for patients with stage two or three of the disease.
The aim to create a reliable radiosensitivity test has been undertaken by CvergenX In, an advanced cancer diagnostics company, alongside the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Clinical Assay Development Program.
Some $2 million in funding has been pumped in the project primarily from the NCI over the course of seven years of research.
Around 60 per cent of cancer patients receive radiotherapy as part of their treatment, according to Torres-Roca, however, no radiosensitivity test has been created to predict its benefit.
Chief executive of CvergenX Mary Del Brady explained the aim was to have a validated test with proven clinical utility in the marketplace within the next three years.
She added: "The test will provide more information and far greater accuracy than oncologists have ever had enabling them to adjust their clinical management for better outcomes for their patients."