Beating breast cancer

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announced today the formation of an alliance to research, develop and commercialise medical equipment and associated contrast agents for optical imaging.

As part of their collaboration, the companies will have the option to expand the alliance to cover other imaging technologies and contrast agents, and will also explore the emerging field of molecular imaging.

Philips and Schering have agreed to split equally all research and development costs as well as all future revenues from the contrast agents, medical equipment and related services related to this alliance. Financial details of the alliance were not disclosed.

Optical imaging is an emerging imaging technology with the potential to offer new approaches in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer as well as other diseases. Optical imaging uses lasers to illuminate superficial tissue - such as breast tissue. By combining this technology with an optical dye, tumours might be targeted more precisely.

Due to its high resolution and sensitivity, optical imaging is expected to offer breast cancer patients a less aggressive, more patient-friendly follow-up examination. Today, such patients may need to undergo the invasive procedure of a biopsy in cases where traditional exams produce inconclusive results.