Diagnostic imaging is experiencing a renaissance around the world – and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute is on the cutting edge. New advanced detection devices and new methods using existing technology can better detect diseases such as cancer and improve surgical planning and follow-up diagnostics.
For example, Dr. Alla Reznik is using solid state technology to develop a positron emission mammography (PEM) unit. This molecular imaging technique for diagnosing breast cancer will improve tumour detection ability in women with denser breast tissue – and detect it earlier – without painful breast compression. Radialis Medical launched in 2016 as a step towards commercialization of this technology.
Dr. Mitchell Albert, co-founder of hyperpolarized (HP) gas MRI, is taking a different approach to diagnostic imaging, but one that holds equally promising possibilities. He is investigating new uses for this technique for diagnosing, characterizing, and/or monitoring treatment of several different conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.