New MRI Contrast Agent Developed
By Kim Hyun-cheol
Staff Reporter
A Korean research team has developed a medical contrast medium that can enhance images of cancer cells through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The substance is superior in safety and imaging clarity to existing ones, its backers said.
The new agent was produced by a Gachon University of Medicine and Science team headed by professors Oh Byung-chul and Kim Hyeon-jin.
It can detect tumors using radically smaller doses than current products, according to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
The substance is deemed safer for both intravascular and oral delivery said the ministry, which supported the study.
Medical contrast media are used in medical imaging to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the human body, mostly for better visibility of organs, blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract. Most common contrast agents work through X-ray attenuation and magnetic resonance signal enhancement.
Oh and Kim's development is regarded as being of great significance because it has overcome the limitations agents currently in use for the diagnosis of cancer and spread of the disease, according to the ministry.
Most currently used medium agents are limited in targeting specific cancers. Their overuse to enhance imaging performance also often leads to adverse effects such as higher risks of nephropathy.
The Gachon University team said it has applied for patents in South Korea and the United States.
``Once commercialized, the new agent will contribute to the public health as it can help make correct cancer diagnoses with less cost,'' professor Oh said. ``This is also expected to be an exemplary case for industrialization of an original technology.''
Korea is a latecomer in the fast-growing business of medical contrast agents. It has relied on imports for domestic use.
Their global market is estimated to be as big as $5 billion. The United States is leading the industry.