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Ultrasound fusion imaging biopsies for bone and soft tissue cancers are as safe, effective as CTs and MRIs

(RxWiki News) Ultrasound fusion imaging (UFI) biopsies are as safe and effective as other methods of detecting bone and soft-tissue cancers, according to a new study from Henry Ford Hospital.

The study marks the first time that researchers have compared UFI to conventional biopsy imaging techniques such as CT and MRI.

Researchers studied the safety, efficacy and ease of the diagnostic tests in 44 patients who were randomized into two groups: One group received CT imaging and the other received UFI. They found 93 percent accuracy among the UFI scans and 90 percent accuracy in CT imaging. Both techniques proved similarly safe.

Michael Mott, M.D., an orthopaedic oncologist at Henry Ford and principal investigator for the study, said UFI is a viable option for patients and offered more convenience since scheduling a biopsy proved more flexible for ultrasound suites than CT suites.

Bone and soft-tissue cancers are rare, making up less than one percent of all new cancer cases in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Review Date: 
February 18, 2011