iCAD Inc. major company providing solutions for advanced image analysis and workflow for the early detection of cancer,
announced that it has launched a new version of its VeraLook computer-aided detection (CAD) system for CT colonography (CTC), or Virtual Colonoscopy. VeraLook is going to be introduced at the 21st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), taking place from June 2 – 5, 2010 in Dresden, Germany.
VeraLook features capabilities of detecting potential polyps while conducting CTC examinations. The most recent version of VeraLook provides enhanced performance including more than 5% increase in the sensitivity of potential polyp identification, and a 20% decrease in false positives results. Colon cancer is accounted for more than 212,000 mortalities in Europe annually. However, colon cancer shows high curing and overall survival rates when it is detected early. Yet, few patients are suggested to undergo screening for colon cancer, while such patients may show reluctance during to discomfort accompanied with conventional colonoscopy process.
On the other hand, radiologists testing VeraLook noted that it showed improved reading sensitivity to all types of colonic polyps, especially for smaller, usually easy-to-miss polyps and pre-cancerous lesions which can later change into malignant structure over time. iCAD's president and CEO, Ken Ferry, said “VeraLook is already being sold commercially in Europe and Canada, and is an important tool in helping radiologists find colon cancers earlier and with greater confidence,” he added “Virtual colonoscopy with CAD is a breakthrough technology that can make this potentially life-saving test accessible to a greater number of people.”
Recently, Bichat Hospital in Paris, France has integrated the new VeraLook system for CTC, applied with a Viatronix V3D workstation, into its clinical practice. CTC uses highly advanced visualization technology to generate 3D images that offer a minimally invasive evaluation of the while colorectal condition and the procedure is considered an accurate substitute to colonoscopy to identify polyps. Moreover, CTC does not cause any type of discomfort to patients as it does not require special preparations, such as sedation, and patients having a CTC exam can easily return to their normal activities almost immediately after the examination. VeraLook is waiting to receive a clearance from FDA to be commercially available in the United States.
