Some 150 researchers from leading clinics worldwide shared their ideas on the future of cancer care with radiation oncology at a research symposium funded by Varian Medical Systems. Topics focused on data analytics, more precise methods for delivering stereotactic radiosurgery, and more advanced imaging and motion management techniques.

Results of a Johns Hopkins study suggest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could one day make biopsies more effective or replace them altogether in determining if a tumor is or isn’t cancer. The MRI technique, so far tested only in test tube-grown cells and mice, is described in a report published March 27 in the online journal Nature Communications.

Toshiba’s Aquilion One Vision Edition computed tomography (CT) system is capable of aiding clinicians in diagnosing patients presenting with chest pain. The system was showcased at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) annual meeting in San Diego, March 14-16.

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) called on legislators across the country to find a permanent fix to the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula to preserve access and improve the quality of care for Medicare’s millions of beneficiaries. The association commended Congressional leadership for introduction of the “Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act” (H.R. 2) and also met with Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., as part of its 12th Annual Advocacy Day.

Cardiac visualization and analysis software provider Epsilon Imaging announced the results of four studies presented at the ACC 2015 that demonstrated improved quality in assessment of heart function with EchoInsight visualization and analysis. These studies included:

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based technique to help improve diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. The technique is detailed in a study published Feb. 5 in Hepatology.

A group of molecules in prostate-cancer cells could one day be used to distinguish which patients with rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels should be treated with radiation therapy following prostate removal.