Arun Krishnaraj, MD
Arun Krishnaraj, MD, MPH, a professor in the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, was featured in over 100 news outlets nationally discussing a new study about how MRI scans could help rectal cancer patients avoid surgery and the need for a colostomy bag.
In an effort to maintain patients’ bowel function, doctors ideally aim to treat rectal cancers using only radiation and chemotherapy. However, some patients may need to undergo surgery which involves the removal of part of the bowel. Unfortunately, this procedure can result in survivors needing a colostomy bag for life. So, knowing which patients might do well without surgery is crucial.
“I am optimistic that continued advancement in MRI and other tools like endoscopy will provide better information about future outcomes,” Dr. Krishnaraj said in a UVA Health news release.
“Ultimately, I would love to get close to 99% predictive probability in better informing our patients about their potential risk for recurrence or spread of their cancers following treatment. We may not be there quite yet, but that is our goal.”
Read full article in U.S. News & World Report.
Filed Under: Media Highlights