Moffitt Cancer Center to Utilize Definiens Technology in Prognostic Research for Lung Cancer
Rapid, Accurate Image Analysis of Lung Nodules to Support the Development of Stratification Models for Patient Treatment
Munich, Germany and Tampa, FL, US - May 20, 2009 - Definiens, the number one Enterprise Image Intelligence® company, today announced that Moffitt Cancer Center will utilize Definiens technology in the analysis of lung cancer CT images for the purpose of developing more accurate prognosis and prediction models for response to specific lung cancer therapies. Image features extracted with Definiens technology will be compared to disease outcomes, as well as gene expression data available through Total Cancer CareTM, Moffitt's comprehensive approach to cancer that enables researchers and caregivers to identify and meet all the needs of a patient and their family during the patient's lifetime and for future generations.
Moffitt is part of an elite group of National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Centers focusing on the development of early stage translational research models. The Center will employ a lung tumor analysis research application developed by Definiens to rapidly and accurately identify, segment and analyze lung tumors from CT and PET/CT fused images. The application will also allow the researchers to measure lung nodule volume, surface-to-volume, attenuation gradient at the edges, shape features, texture and homogeneity measures, as well as tracking tumors' volumetric changes over time.
"At Moffitt, we are enthusiastic about deploying these cutting-edge tools to support our researchers with their critical work," said Robert J. Gillies, Ph.D., Vice-Chair Radiology and Director of the Experimental Imaging Program at Moffitt. "We anticipate that the Definiens platform will streamline the analysis of hundreds, if not thousands, of CT and PET images. These numbers are necessary in order to develop more robust patient stratification models."
Following the release of the pioneering Definiens LymphExpert application for the analysis of lymph nodes, Definiens is developing image analysis applications for a variety of cancer types, addressing lung and liver tumors as next steps. All Definiens medical imaging applications are built upon the company's proprietary Definiens Cognition Network Technology, an image analysis technology that examines objects in relation to one another and emulates human cognitive processes to extract intelligence from images.
"We are excited to support Moffitt's groundbreaking research into cancer therapies and personalized cancer care," said Frank-P. Klein, Vice President, Medical Imaging at Definiens. "This project provides further confirmation that Definiens' unique technology can address the most challenging image analysis tasks facing researchers for a variety of cancer types."
As part of the research engagement, Moffitt scientists will also explore Definiens TissueMap and Definiens Developer for tissue-based image analysis. Definiens versatile portfolio spans clinical imaging and tissue imaging, supporting potential development of translational cancer research models.
About H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is the only Florida-based cancer center with the NCI designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center for its excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 15 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country's leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for cancer. Moffitt's sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
Definiens in Medical Imaging
By automating image analysis, Definiens supports healthcare providers in analyzing and interpreting vast numbers of digital images accurately and consistently. Definiens improves the analysis of tissue samples and non-invasive imaging, enabling translational medicine - from early diagnosis to personalized treatment.
About Definiens
Definiens is the number one Enterprise Image Intelligence® company for analyzing and interpreting images on every scale, from microscopic cell structures to satellite images. The Definiens Cognition Network Technology®, developed by Nobel Laureate Prof. Gerd Binnig and his team, is an advanced and robust context-based technology designed to fulfill the image analysis requirements of the Medical, Life Science, and Earth Science markets. The technology is modeled on the powerful human cognitive perception processes to extract intelligence from images. Definiens provides organizations with faster image analysis results, allowing deeper insights enabling better business decisions. The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany and has offices in the United States. Further information is available at www.definiens.com.
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