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Aurora Breast MRI Utilized for Screening Patients at High Risk for Breast Cancer at Victory Breast Diagnostics and Women's Imaging in Texas

Posted on: Monday, 2 April 2007, 12:00 CDT

In close alignment with newly announced American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines for screening women at high risk of breast cancer, Victory Breast Diagnostics and Women's Imaging, serving patients in the greater Houston area, today pledged its commitment to advanced breast screening by offering the most advanced technology available in breast imaging. The Aurora® 1.5T Dedicated Breast MRI System is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared MRI system specifically designed for breast imaging, and Victory currently is the only facility in Houston offering this technology. This advanced technology allows Victory to offer patients more accurate detection, diagnosis for the treatment of breast cancer.

"The Aurora Breast MRI System has had a tremendous impact in our ability to detect breast cancer," stated Dr. Susan Gaskill, owner and operator of Victory. "At Victory, MRI has detected breast cancers that could not be seen on mammograms or ultrasound. Had it not been for our Aurora System, those cancers would have been allowed to grow until they were palpable or large enough to be visible on a mammogram, likely worsening that woman's prognosis."

Also of importance to high-risk patients is the ability for the Aurora Breast MRI System to confirm the absence of cancer. For cancer survivors, those with first-degree family history of breast cancer, BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene carriers and those who have a suspicious physical exam or mammogram, a normal MRI can provide considerable peace of mind for women and their physicians. Dr. Gaskill says, "We love reading normal MRI's! It means that for now, a woman doesn't need to worry."

The Aurora System delivers industry-leading, ultra-thin 1mm slices for superior resolution and clarity. "As the ACS just recently confirmed with their new guidelines, MRI is one of the most promising technologies for breast cancer screening," said Olivia Ho Cheng, president and CEO of Aurora Imaging Technology, Inc. "The Aurora System takes breast MRI to the next level, by offering a technology that was custom designed exclusively for imaging the breasts, giving specialized physicians the best possible images, and setting those breast care centers that utilize the Aurora System apart from the rest as a true center of excellence in breast care."

New recommendations announced last week by the ACS state that certain women designated as being at high risk for breast cancer should have an annual breast MRI for screening purposes in addition to their annual mammogram. These guidelines are right in line with what the physicians at Victory already knew -- breast MRI is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer, especially when done using a dedicated system designed for that specific purpose such as the Aurora System.

"We at Victory agree with the ACS' recommendations for these high risk individuals," continued Dr. Gaskill. "Because some women may not know their risk status, we also offer genetic screening and risk assessment at Victory, as part of our efforts to combat this deadly disease."

The Aurora® 1.5T Dedicated Breast MRI System is designed to be located within the breast care center where it is readily available to specialized physicians and their patients. As a diagnostic imaging tool, the Aurora System is ideal for a wide range of indications in breast disease management including, but not limited to:

Detecting or excluding the existence of cancer in high risk women

Characterizing indeterminate clinical or mammographically detected abnormalities

Determining the extent of cancer for treatment planning

Detecting occult cancer

Evaluating patients for residual disease following surgery

Monitoring cancer response and the extent of residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Evaluating implant integrity and detecting cancer in women with breast augmentation

About Victory Breast Diagnostics and Women's Imaging

Victory Breast Diagnostics and Women's Imaging, based in League City, Texas, offers the best available imaging tools for the fight against breast cancer. It is the goal of Victory to deliver these services to the women of its community in a warm, comfortable, and compassionate environment. Medical imaging offered includes all digital mammography, Aurora Dedicated Breast MRI, high resolution women's ultrasound (including 3D), image-guided biopsies among other services. For more information, visit www.victorybreastimaging.com

About Aurora Imaging Technology, Inc.

Aurora Imaging Technology, Inc. is a private company based in North Andover, Massachusetts committed to expanding the fight against breast cancer. Aurora strives to manufacture the highest quality and most cost-effective breast MRI solutions and partners with a growing number of the nation's finest breast care centers to provide the ultimate in the detection, diagnosis, biopsy and treatment of breast cancer. The Aurora System is in clinical use at a growing number of leading breast care centers in the US, Europe and Asia. To find an Aurora Breast MRI System near you, visit www.auroramri.com.

Source: Business Wire

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