Institut Claudius Regaud

The biology, anatomy and cytology of diseases and genetic oncology

Several biological factors can help diagnose a disease, monitor treatment and monitor after treatment. Some biological tests have existed for years whilst others are the result of more recent research and have helped with the development of new treatments. For example, it is now possible to identify a genetic link with certain types of cancer. Claudius Renaud Institute's genetic oncologist carries out biological analyses. By looking at the anatomy and cytology of diseases, the exact nature of a disease can be identified through a microscopic analysis of cancerous cells (biopsies). This is a vital process before any treatment can begin.

Genetic Oncology

Cancer is not hereditary. Members of the same family can however be at a higher risk of contracting cancer if certain genes become mutated. Only 5% of cancers are related to genetic factors. A study of a patient's family tree enables a doctor to ascertain whether their family is a high risk family or not. If they are considered a high risk family, the genetic oncologist will recommend carrying out a molecular analysis to see if the patient is the carrier of a mutated gene related to their disease. A customised monitoring program will be implemented depending on the results.

Medical imaging

Medical imaging is used to detect a lesion and work out the type of lesion in order to prescribe the correct treatment. It is also used to evaulate the size of the tumour and the changes a tumour undergoes during treatment. Medical imaging is also involved in the after-care stage. It is also used to prepare treatment plans e.g. for improving the ballistic precision of radiotherapy. Cancer imaging relies on a set of methods, that combined improve performance. It combines morphological imaging methods such as ultrasound, CT scanning, and MRI scanning and operational methods such as conventional nuclear medicine and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, an innovative technique in nuclear medicine. Images produced using these techniques can be compared with one another and even merged to improve the overall diagnosis process. This is known as multimodal imaging.

*Conventional nuclear medicine.

Nuclear medicine uses radioisotopes which, once inserted into an organism, attach themselves to certain tissues or organs. They then transmit radiation which is detected by a camera. This process is known as scintigraphy. Binding anomalies can be the sign of a tumour. Special techniques are offered at the Institute including for "sentinel lymph nodes." The Institute is making important advances in nuclear medicine, focussing on treatment.