iCAD Achieves Benchmarks for Colonography with Licensed NIH Technology
Agreement Expands CAD Technology into New Applications
NASHUA, N.H., March 5 /- iCAD, Inc. (NASDAQ:ICAD), an industry-leading provider of Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) solutions for the early identification of cancer, today announced the successful integration of technology developed and licensed from the National Institutes of Health, into the Company's emergent colon CAD product line. Under a previously acquired licensing agreement, iCAD has incorporated sophisticated polyp detection technology, developed over several years by leading researchers at the NIH, into iCAD product offerings in the field of CT Colonography (CTC) currently under development.
CTC, also known as Virtual Colonoscopy, uses a CT scanner to examine the colon without sedating the patient and using a scope, as with a conventional colonoscopy. Specialized software displays the images, producing cross section views and detailed representations of the internal surface of the colon. Research shows this technique delivers detailed images that enable the early detection and identification of polyps. Colon polyps are small growths that increase a patient's risk of developing colon cancer. The early identification and removal of polyps effectively prevents the disease. iCAD is developing CAD products to automatically analyze images and identify potential polyps to assist in the reading of CTC exams.
"CAD technology, in conjunction with mammography, is proven to increase the early detection of breast cancer through our flagship mammography CAD products," commented Ken Ferry, Chief Executive Officer of iCAD. "iCAD's licensing partnership with the NIH, along with our core expertise in delivering proven CAD solutions, will enable our company to accelerate bringing its clinically proven CAD technology to the CT colonography market, enabling both physicians and patients to benefit from the technology."
"The NIH Clinical Center has been developing CT Colonography technologies for eight years in the belief that this technology will both improve the ability to detect colorectal polyps early before they advance to cancer and increase patient compliance with screening guidelines," said Dr. Ronald M. Summers, Senior Investigator and Chief, Clinical Image Processing Service, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. "We believe the future is bright both for CT colonography and computer-aided detection in particular. We are pleased to transition our research from the bench to the bedside and to make the benefits of our research findings more widely available to the American public."
In 2007, the NIH estimates 153,760 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed and 52,180 deaths are expected in the U.S. Although the disease can be effectively prevented by early identification and removal of polyps, screening compliance remains low. Emerging technologies including CTC and CAD have the potential for improving the early detection of colorectal polyps and cancer and increasing compliance by offering more effective alternatives as well as complementary techniques to existing methods.
About iCAD, Inc.
iCAD, Inc. (NASDAQ:iCAD), is an industry-leading provider of Computer- Aided Detection (CAD) solutions that enable healthcare professionals to better serve patients by identifying pathologies and pinpointing cancer earlier. iCAD offers a comprehensive range of high-performance, upgradeable CAD systems for the high, mid and low volume mammography markets. iCAD is entrusted with the task of early cancer detection by almost one thousand women's healthcare centers worldwide. For more information, call +1 877 iCAD now or visit www.icadmed.com.
For iCAD Public Relations, contact
Michele Fox of Schwartz Communications
781-684-0770
email at icad@schwartz-pr.com
FCMN Contact: kambrogio@schwartz-pr.com
Web site: www.icadmed.com
Source: iCAD, Inc.
