Pictures of the Future      Fall 2008

In Brief

^? Systems biology is the key to early detection of illnesses. Siemens offers a unique combination of molecular diagnostics and imaging together with modern information and workflow systems. These systems integrate results from in-vitro and in-vivo modalities, making personalized medicine possible       ^more

^? Early detection and diagnosis are crucial factors in the fight against breast cancer. Major advances in imaging techniques now allow more precise examinations that subject patients to less stress and discomfort. These include digital mammography systems and special computer programs that analyze mammograms and mark areas where there is reason to suspect a tumor exists     ^more

^? If breast cancer is detected and removed early, the chances of recovery are good. In the future there will be diagnostic tests that forecast how successfully breast cancer patients can be treated with various tumor therapies. This could spare many of them a difficult chemotherapy treatment       ^more

^? In northeastern Germany, physicians are conducting one of the world’s most comprehensive data-gathering studies, involving thousands of test subjects. In cooperation with Siemens, they are searching for patterns related to the development and treatment of the most commonly encountered illnesses. The study is intended to reveal the connections between illnesses, lifestyle factors, and genetic predisposition       ^more

^? Precisely diagnosing disease is often a very complex and lengthy process. Thanks to new diagnostic tests, though, conditions such as myocardial infarctions can be detected earlier and with greater reliability. Biomarkers can unambiguously confirm damage to the heart muscle, for example—even in instances where other types of examinations have found nothing. What’s more, doctors can use blood tests to reliably determine that patients are receiving the right medications, and to monitor the relative success of therapy. And a new system is available to ensure fast work procedures in the lab       ^{for more see Biomarkers and Laboratory Automation}