It is increasingly important for today’s leading industry partners to not only stay at the forefront of innovation but also to champion essential areas of healthcare. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of individuals, GE HealthCare has consistently prioritized the enhancement of men's health. By pioneering advanced technology in imaging and treatment for conditions like prostate cancer and through thoughtful acquisitions aimed at broadening expertise in men's health, GE HealthCare is actively contributing to the betterment of men's healthcare for a healthier future.
"Our commitment to transforming men's healthcare is not just a mission; it's a driving force behind our innovative solutions," stated Ben Newton, General Manager of Oncology Solutions at GE HealthCare. "Our focus begins with enabling early and accurate diagnosis and expands to precision treatments that enhance the overall patient experience. We recognize that early detection is a game-changer, and we’re dedicated to leading the way in prostate care and beyond. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as multiparametric MRI, Theranostics, and molecular imaging, and through strategic acquisitions like BK Medical, we are improving the tools available to clinicians. Our comprehensive solutions empower healthcare professionals, driving early detection and precise interventions that can ultimately improve outcomes for men worldwide."
Pioneering the future of prostate cancer diagnosis
Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men and the fourth-most common cancer overall.[1] More than 1.4 million men worldwide were diagnosed in 2020.[2] Clinicians screen patients for prostate cancer, typically beginning at age 50, with a digital rectal exam and a blood test looking for elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Biopsies are usually ordered when PSA levels are higher than 4 ng/ml, which may indicate the presence of cancer.[3] However, PSA levels sometimes are elevated when no cancer is present, which can lead to unnecessary biopsies.
Accurate and timely diagnosis of prostate cancer is pivotal in improving patient outcomes. Recognizing this, GE HealthCare has been at the forefront of innovative solutions to transform the way prostate cancer is diagnosed. Cutting-edge imaging technologies, such as multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can reduce the need for invasive biopsies, providing precise diagnostic information for physicians, as well as a more comfortable experience for patients.[4] MRI provides high-quality images of the prostate that can highlight potential areas of concern, including the presence of suspicious lesions that could be cancerous.
Strategic acquisitions expand capabilities in men’s health and prostate cancer care
In addition to its own innovations, GE HealthCare has completed strategic acquisitions of companies, such as BK Medical, that complement its commitment to men’s health. The acquisition of BK Medical strengthens GE HealthCare’s capabilities in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, and advanced surgical visualization solutions in men’s healthcare.
The inclusion of BK Medical’s state-of-the-art technology further enhances GE HealthCare’s ability to provide comprehensive men’s health solutions, including tools to help clinicians visualize, navigate, and assess in a variety of surgical procedures performed robotically, laparoscopically, and open.
When biopsies are indicated in prostate cancer care, clinicians can perform them with the assistance of BK Fusion technology, a real-time visualization and procedure guidance platform that pairs ultrasound-guided biopsies with images obtained with multiparametric MRI.
Transforming the prostate cancer care pathway
Improving men's health is not solely about diagnosis; it is also about comprehensive care and treatment. While advances in cancer treatments, especially newer therapies, have shown promising results, the complexity of prostate cancer care has increased exponentially. Healthcare providers need to have precise diagnostic and pathology information as they select the most effective treatments for each patient.
One particular therapy, Theranostics, has been a breakthrough approach to treating prostate cancer. Theranostics integrates imaging diagnostics and targeted therapeutics for individualized management and treatment of disease. It is garnering substantial interest for its ability to revolutionize the outcomes of even late-stage cancer through precision oncology treatments. Currently, Theranostics radiotherapy agents have received approval for treating metastatic prostate and neuroendocrine cancers, in addition to the treatment for thyroid cancers. Many other agents are currently in the discovery and trial phases, with the anticipation of a diverse array of therapeutic agents in the future.
Molecular imaging techniques like positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) play a crucial role in the Theranostics process and in evaluating treatment effectiveness. They enable clinicians to stage diseases and continuously monitor and understand their progression. To provide theranostics treatment to patients, clinicians rely on state-of-the-art molecular imaging scanners capable of ultra-high sensitivity, resolution, and quantitative accuracy to inform treatment and follow-up.
A bright future for men's health
GE HealthCare's commitment to men's health is not merely an endeavor; it's a mission. The relentless pursuit of innovative solutions, along with strategic collaboration, underscores their commitment to transforming prostate care and, by extension, the entire field of men's health. As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, GE HealthCare leads the way in helping clinicians deliver the most advanced and precise care possible.
DISCLAIMER
Not all products or features are available in all geographies. Check with your local GE HealthCare representative for availability in your country.
REFERENCES
[1] https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/common.html#:~:text=Prostate%20cancer%20is%20the%20leading,an%20estimated%20238%2C340%20new%20cases.
[2] https://www.wcrf.org/cancer-trends/prostate-cancer-statistics/#:~:text=There%20were%20more%20than%201.4,ASR%20%3D%20age%2Dstandardised%20rates.
[3] Zeliadt SB, Buist DS, Reid RJ, Grossman DC, Ma J, Etzioni R. Biopsy follow-up of prostate-specific antigen tests. Am J Prev Med. 2012 Jan;42(1):37-43. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2011.08.024. PMID: 22176844; PMCID: PMC3556898.
[4] Demirel HC, Davis JW. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging: Overview of the technique, clinical applications in prostate biopsy and future directions. Turk J Urol. 2018 Mar;44(2):93-102. doi: 10.5152/tud.2018.56056. Epub 2018 Mar 1. PMID: 29511576; PMCID: PMC5832385.
