Introduction to the National Cancer Imaging Translational Accelerator (NCITA): a UK-wide infrastructure for multicentre clinical translation of cancer imaging biomarkers.

The National Cancer Imaging Translational Accelerator (NCITA) is creating a UK national coordinated infrastructure for accelerated translation of imaging biomarkers for clinical use. Through the development of standardised protocols, data integration tools and ongoing training programmes, NCITA provides a unique scalable infrastructure for imaging biomarker qualification using multicentre clinical studies.

Competitive oligonucleotide single-base extension combined with mass spectrometric detection for mutation screening.

A rapid, robust and widely applicable mutation detection scheme not requiring radioactivity or gel-based detection is introduced. It is a single-tube, competitive oligonucleotide single-base extension (COSBE) reaction using a pair of primers with the 3'-terminal base complementary to either the normal or mutant allele. Upon hybridization and addition of a polymerase and the nucleotide triphosphate corresponding to the next base after the primer, only those primers properly annealed (i.e., no 3'-terminal mismatch) are extended; products are resolved by molecular weight shifts as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (single-scan spectrum acquisition < < 1 s). For the cystic fibrosis delta F508 polymorphism, 28-mer "normal" (N) and 30-mer "mutant" (M) primers generate 29-mer (N + I) or 31-mer (M + 1) products for homozygotes and both for heterozygotes. Since primer and product molecular weights are relatively low (< 10 kDa) and the mass difference between these are at least that of a single approximately 300-Da nucleotide unit, a low-resolution mass spectrometer is suitable for such measurements.

Non-small-cell lung cancer dimensions: CT-pathological correlation and interobserver variation.

The aim of the study was to identify the most accurate CT window level setting for the measurement of non-small-cell lung cancer to optimise CT planning for radiotherapy treatment. 27 patients who underwent resection for non-small-cell lung cancer in a single institution were studied. The maximal superior-inferior, anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions of the resected tumours were measured by a consultant pathologist. Two radiologists made corresponding measurements using pre-operative CT scans independently of each other and of the pathologist's findings. The measurements were obtained using four different CT window settings. The mean pathological size of the superior-inferior tumours, the anteroposterior tumours and the mediolateral tumours was 32 mm, 28 mm and 25 mm, respectively. A total of 648 CT measurements were taken, of which 321 were within +/-5 mm of the pathological size (49.5%). There was significant interobserver variability between the two radiologists. There was poor correlation between the pathological and radiological measurements of tumour size. Significant interobserver variability was noted between the two radiologists and no window setting could be identified as being superior in accurately assessing the tumour size.

Myxopapillary ependymoma with intracranial metastases.

We report spontaneous seeding within the subarachnoid space from a myxopapillary ependymoma that progressed despite surgery and radiotherapy treatment.