• Aureon Laboratories (Yonkers, New York) reported completing a development project with AstraZeneca (London) designed to identify patients with non-small-cell lung cancer that may benefit from treatment with the drug IRESSA. The project combined a patient’s clinical data with tumor biomarker profiles and image analysis features using on-slide technologies and machine learning approaches developed at Aureon. Aureon confirmed that specific clinical features appear associated with overall survival and has identified several protein biomarkers which appear important in predicting prognosis. Aureon’s systems pathology platform includes computer based image analysis of tumor tissue samples and tissue-based, quantitative biomarker assessment coupled with sophisticated mathematical tools to develop models of response and outcome prediction. Aureon operates a CLIA- and CAP-certified laboratory that provides predictive pathology services to the practicing physician.

• Clinical trial results using the UltraShape (San Ramon, California) Contour I, a clin non-invasive focused ultrasound solution for body contouring, are published in the September issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The study included treatment of the following areas of the body: abdomen, flanks, and thighs. The study demonstrated a mean circumference reduction of 2 cm after a single treatment of localized fat deposits. Liver ultrasound was performed before and after treatment and there were no treatment induced changes to the liver. The Contour I produces mechanical, non-thermal, acoustic effects which target and selectively destroy fat cells, leaving surrounding critical structures such as skin, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue intact. The procedure is guided by real-time tracking and guidance technology designed to deliver smooth, uniform body contouring results. UltraShape makes non-invasive technologies for body contouring.