MRI shows second-hand smoke damage

Publication
Article
Oncology NEWS InternationalOncology NEWS International Vol 17 No 2
Volume 17
Issue 2

A new MRI technique—inhaled hyperpolarized helium-3 diffusion MRI—shows lung damage in nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke

CHICAGO—A new MRI technique—inhaled hyperpolarized helium-3 diffusion MRI—shows lung damage in nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke, according to a study presented at RSNA 2007. Researchers from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia performed the technique in 60 volunteers to calculate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values.

High ADCs correlated with enlarged lung alveoli, indicating damage: Elevated ADC was found in 4% of subjects with infrequent exposure to second-hand smoke, 27% with high exposure, and 67% of current and former smokers (see Figure).

Recent Videos
The FirstLook liquid biopsy, when used as an adjunct to low-dose CT, may help to address the unmet need of low lung cancer screening utilization.
An 80% sensitivity for lung cancer was observed with the liquid biopsy, with high sensitivity observed for early-stage disease, as well.
Patients who face smoking stigma, perceive a lack of insurance, or have other low-dose CT related concerns may benefit from blood testing for lung cancer.
Video 4 - "Frontline Treatment for EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer"
Video 3 - "NGS Testing Challenges and Considerations in NSCLC"
Related Content