GE Healthcare wins FDA approval for new tumor imaging agent

GE Healthcare said that AdreView provides high quality images that allow physicians to detect tumors, both at the time of initial diagnosis and at later examinations when relapse or recurrence is suspected.

According to the company, AdreView images reflect the functional behavior of the tumor cells, thus allowing clearer characterization of even small tumors in comparison to similar appearing but non-malignant tissues. AdreView provides valuable adjunctive information to complement anatomic imaging procedures such as CT and MRI.

AdreView will also permit imaging of the tumors with a lower radiation dose than other agents that have been available for this purpose, said the company. AdreView also can be used with single photon emission computed tomography (Spect) imaging, a valuable addition for localizing sites of disease in the body.

GE Healthcare expects to begin supplying this new imaging agent to hospitals and imaging centers throughout the US in the coming weeks. It will mark the first time this imaging agent, manufactured to the high standards required by FDA, is available throughout the country, the company said.

Arnold Jacobson, GE’s clinical project leader for the AdreView program, said: “AdreView will have an immediate impact on improving diagnostic assessment of pediatric cancer patients with neuroblastoma.

“AdreView also will provide reliable imaging data to aid in identifying primary and metastatic pheochromocytoma, a predominantly adult tumor that often presents diagnostic challenges for clinicians. The introduction of AdreView is a reflection of our commitment to provide new and improved molecular imaging solutions for physicians and their patients.”