IBM, Oxford, and the government of the United Kingdom have joined forces to build a large-scale computing grid designed to support breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Dubbed eDiamond, the project will include software developed by Oxford spin-off Mirada Solutions to standardize new and existing digital mammography images, according to Oxford.
The Mirada software will allow radiologists to compare and evaluate digital mammography images stored on eDiamond, regardless of where or when they were created, according to Oxford. The eDiamond initiative includes joint investment from IBM and the U.K. of approximately $6 million, and is part of the U.K. government's eScience program.
In addition to enabling hospitals to digitally store and share mammograms, the eDiamond Grid will provide physicians with advanced analytical tools and capabilities to better diagnose cancer, according to Oxford. The images will be data mined, allowing physicians to develop new forms of treatment by conducting in-depth studies to determine the impact of environment and lifestyle on the development of breast cancer.
The project participants also hope eDiamond will help reduce the rate of false positives, overcoming the challenge of inconsistent image formats and lost films that prevent proper diagnosis. Physicians would also be able to study and compare similar cases so they can develop better treatment options.
Initially, the grid will link a large federated database of mammograms shared by St. George's Hospital and Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust Hospitals in London, the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, and the Breast Screening Centers in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland. The project potentially could be expanded to all 92 screening centers throughout the U.K., creating the U.K.'s first national digital mammography archive, according to Oxford.
In addition, the project could also lead to the development of a worldwide digital mammography grid, which would link up with screening programs being developed in France, Germany, and Japan. Other similar projects, such as one underway in the U.S. with IBM and the University of Pennsylvania, could also be included.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersOctober 16, 2002
Related Reading
Mirada gets clearance for workstation, June 19, 2002
The parlous state of UK radiology, September 24, 2002
Do private imaging centers have a future in the U.K.? August 15, 2002
Radiology service not keeping up with routine demand in UK, August 8, 2002
UK's imaging demands exceed capacity of personnel, September 12, 2001
Copyright © 2002 AuntMinnie.com
