Saturday, January 11, 2025

FOSTERING MEDICAL ALLIANCES BRING NEW ANSWERS TO PATIENT CARE

UNOFFICIAL DRAFT: NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

On January 9, 2025 BardDiagnostics receives a special visit from Dr. Nino Mikaberidze, recognized expert  in rheumatology from Manhattan Pain Medicine (Greenwich Village / Washington Square Park). "Dr. Nino", as she is most often referred as, expressed great interest in brainstorming about Dr. Bard's published strategy called "image guided treatments". Seasoned in mitigating arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, Dr. Nino welcomed this exploratory exchange with NYC's top diagnostic researcher as another fine example of what is possible when doctors collaborate. 

According to Dr. Roberta Kline, BardDiagnostics director in genomics testing, "joint ventures and clinical alliances between independent clinicians offer a wonderful opportunity to build new ideas opening up visionary solutions to improve treatment results... I've witnessed Dr. Bard's passion to unite medical teams and join others in Zoom meetings and conferences with fellow luminaries in their respective crafts-- and the results have often been revolutionary!"  

Dr. Bard's belief in forging clinical alliances has been the cornerstone of his career in diagnostic medicine.  Furthermore, his customized and unfettered approach to patient care and his ability to expand the dial of diagnostics aligns opens new pathways to partnering with fellow visionaries.  Joining with leaders on "the treatment side" - from oncology to pain management and regenerative medicine further aligns with his aspirations in research, publishing and medical education. (See bardseminars.com)

Based on prior discussions, Dr. Nino received a tour of Dr. Bard's ever-growing collection of advanced medical imaging equipment. She was also introduced to the battery of non-invasive therapeutic technologies under validation testing through a door labelled IHRC (Integrative Health Research Center) where Dr. Bard is often called to conduct performance testing by medical device manufacturers.  In support of her expertise, Dr. Nino then received a firsthand demonstration of the various PEMF equipment models and the photobiomodulation (near infrared) device for pain management.  

This memorable visit was a meeting of the minds, exploring collaborative partnerships between the respective practices while covering a unique new ground for the wide range of health disorders that each practice specializes in.  An equally enjoyable visit from MPM's medical director Dr. Jason Siefferman (12/21/2024) was a collaborative exploration about PEMF treatments and a discussion about the innovation of the Stellate Ganglion Block- a  therapeutic modality showing remarkable response for pain and PTSD. Here, Dr. Siefferman impressed the room with his comfort level in performance testing one of Dr. Bard's latest equipment acquisitions.

In the spirit of collaboration, an enjoyable exchange unites the diagnostic and therapeutic connection while appreciating each others' unique insight and clinical approach.  "At Manhattan Pain Medicine, we have specialized expertise at the intersection of hypermobility spectrum disorders and autoimmune inflammatory conditions", states Dr. Siefferman.  "These conditions often co-occur, and patients often have many frequently associated comorbid conditions.  Clinically, pain in an area may be due to hypermobility, autoimmune inflammation, or a combination of the two.  Dr. Bard's imaging techniques allow for the differentiation of autoimmune inflammatory sources from hypermobility or overuse injury, which helps guide treatment in these patients.  We are excited to partner with his time to provide patients with the most accurate diagnosis and explanation for pain, so that the most appropriate treatment can be chosen first, rather than proceeding with a trial-and-error approach."

"Since day one, we marvel at the work of our friends from downtown", starts Dr. Bard. "I have great appreciation for the distinct achievements and the extensive depth of knowledge of (both) Dr. Siefferman and Dr. Nino.  I look forward to the continued exchange of ideas and joint efforts between our offices!"

Manhattan Pain Medicine is a multi-specialty practice offering comprehensive, individualized care for all causes of physical discomfort. Their specialists provide collaborative holistic care including Acupuncture, Feldenkrais, Opioid Therapy, Peripheral Nerve Blocks, Prolotherapy, Regenerative Medicine and Rheumatology. 

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2025 MEDICAL PARTNERSHIP: NEW INSIGHT ON WOUND HEALING
By: Dr. Robert L. Bard

In the spring of 2024, I traveled to Montreal Canada (McGill University) to meet Dr. Jose Ramirez-GarciaLuna, "The Wound Scientist"- who was undergoing dedicated clinical evaluation efforts to measure the severity of burn wounds. Helped me uncover the intricacies of wound healing and the many resources that comprise this highly valued study.  His work led to the use of infrared thermography to identify soft tissue viability to assess burn depth.  In support of this project, he also introduced the impressive properties and effects of the highly developed SYNTHETIC SKIN- what is obviously a major game-changer in burn care and traumatic injuries. 

It was here that my attention was drawn to an exciting avenue of clinical care and an area where my diagnostic prowess and imaging expertise could contribute to furthering its advancement. The application of this critical care science has come a long way in the managing of burns, extreme skin disorders or post-surgical lacerations.  Dr. GarciaLuna and I had great discussions about the many possibilities of integrating regenerative technologies to optimizing the healing of bodily damage, and our collaboration continues to grow at this present day.   
(See complete feature)

Direct from the Front Lines is an extra feature produced by the AngioInstitute and Prevcntion101.org




 Psychotherapist Jessica Glynn welcomes you to the Women's Mental Health Coalition



WOMEN'S HEALTH COLLABORATIVE FOR 2025 is comprised of a major expansion program for public education, research, publishing and clinical care. We support global exchange of ideas and sharing concepts that advancing the dial when it comes to improving the state of health for women.  In support of this, our executive team has expanded our group's core (general) function to offer specific interest branches.  In the case of Ms. Jessica Connell, we are launching the WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH- which unites professionals in this dedicated field of study.  Furthermore, (as with all health studies), there will be overlaps into other interests that align with mental health and we encourage the hybrid thinking. This is the core of collaboration.

We look forward to your article submissions, useful resources, invitations to group events and other public education opportunities for all of our members and readers. Email us at: editor.prevention101@gmail.com (subject "SUBMISSION REQ.")





HEALING STRESS AND THE PARASYMPATHETIC SYSTEM

Written by: Roberta Kline, MD

Analyzing STRESS & ANXIETY from a holistic point of view means identifying the body’s interconnected systems (ie. circulatory, cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine etc.) and its many touch points for stimulation.   This analysis should also offer a comprehensive breakdown of the body's HEALING capacity- which includes our hormones, digestive system, immune system, brain, heart-- all the way down to our cells and mitochondria.  

Stress is part of life, and comes in many forms including physical, emotional, mental and environmental. Foods we eat, unhealthy relationships, difficulties at work, toxins in our environment, even poor posture or lack of sunshine can all create stress on our bodies. But when stress is catastrophic or becomes chronic, it creates imbalances in this functioning that are much more likely to promote disease while at the same time preventing healing from taking place. [1]

With people under record levels of chronic stress, it is no wonder we have an epidemic of people suffering from all sorts of health issues and chronic diseases. Heart disease, diabetes, obesity, pain, anxiety, depression, infertility, cancer, autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s …. These are just some of the many health conditions that have been linked to diet and lifestyle including chronic stress. [2, 3]


But how does this work? And is meditation the answer to reversing this trend? Science is revealing some interesting clues.


THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

One big connection is our nervous system. Our nervous system is our superconductor network of information exchange throughout our bodies, and consists of two main parts. The first is the central nervous system (CNS). As it sounds, it’s our command center where all data comes to be processed, and is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The second is called the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and it connects every part of our body to our CNS through individual nerve cells called neurons and clusters of neurons known as ganglia.


The PNS is further divided into the Somatic Nervous System, also known as the voluntary nervous system, and the Autonomic Nervous System. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) manages all bodily functions that are not under conscious control. This includes heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, respiration, cellular activity, immune system, hormones, brain function, sexual function, and even body temperature.

The ANS is further divided into two parts: the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), which regulates our “fight or flight” response, and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), which controls our “rest and digest” response. They work closely together in a complex dance, maintaining our bodily functions and ensuring our survival every second of our lives.

Many health issues, including most chronic diseases such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety, and cancer, are related to an imbalance of our autonomic nervous system. Most typically, it is too much of the “fight or flight” and not enough of the “rest and digest” that leads us into this imbalance. [4]


FLIGHT OR FLIGHT

The Sympathetic Nervous System is located in the CNS, and in the spinal nerves from T1 (the thoracic region) down to L3 (the lumbar region) out to the neurons in the regions of the body supplied by these nerves. This sympathetic response is designed to keep us safe in the face of immediate danger. It signals the brain to turn up the volume on any physiological function crucial to staying to fight or running away from the source of the danger. Catecholamines such as epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and dopamine are released and a cascade of events happens rapidly – before we are even consciously aware that there is a threat. These include:

Blood flow diverted to the heart, lungs and skeletal muscle

Increased heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate

Enlargement of bronchioles (in lungs)

Dilation of pupils

Rapid conversion of glycogen to glucose for fuel

Activation of immune system


All other functions, including digestion, urination, higher level thinking, even sexual function and cellular repair, are temporarily turned off, so that all of our energy and resources go only toward ensuring our immediate survival. If the threat goes on for a longer period of time, a secondary system called the HPA (Hypothalamic – Pituitary – Adrenal) Axis takes over and relies on elevated cortisol and other hormonal changes to continue the high alert state.

But our bodies are not designed to be in this activated high-alert state for long periods of time. Once the immediate threat is gone, we are supposed to go back to our normal state of relaxation. This is the job of the Parasympathetic Nervous System.


REST AND DIGEST

The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS) is located in the brain stem, includes nerves to the eyes and face, vagus and 10th cranial nerves, and sacral nerves (S2-S4). Regulated in large part by the vagus nerve (75%), it impacts a vast array of crucial bodily functions. When the parasympathetic response is triggered, it counteracts the fight or flight response primarily through release of acetylcholine.

Parasympathetic activation results in production of tears, saliva, and constriction of the pupils; lower and more variable heart rate, lower blood pressure and respiratory rate. It enables creative and critical thinking, normal kidney function and urination, improves immune function, enables sleep, sexual arousal and replenishment of fuel stores in organs; plus everything involved in digesting and utilizing our food including elimination and insulin production. Even mood and social bonding and connection are linked. 




HOW THERAPISTS DIAGNOSE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
By:  Jessica Connell, LCSW



HOW STRESS IMPACTS HEALTH AND HEALING

Healing requires coordination of a complex array of biological functional and systems. Research is rapidly expanding our understanding of the importance of the parasympathetic response, and how meditation helps to restore balance. While this impacts every biological system, here are some key areas:


Digestion
Nutrients must be properly digested to extract them from our food and into our cells, where they are critical to every function our bodies must carry out. From vitamins and minerals that are needed in every biochemical reaction, to energy production in our mitochondria, to building blocks of our proteins that form our enzymes, neurotransmitters, hormones, even our DNA - all of our cells need these basic materials to function. Stress shuts down our digestion, and if it goes on long enough our cells become depleted of the very nutrients needed to function and repair. 

Immunity

Approximately 90% of our immune system resides in our gastrointestinal tract. While it is needed to defend us against invaders such as bacteria and viruses, it can also go awry if unchecked. This “runaway” inflammation is linked to most chronic diseases, and paradoxically also reduces the ability espond to infections. Our immune system has other functions, including being a cleaning crew. It removes debris left over from battling invaders. It also removes our own dead or badly damaged cells, and signals new and healthy ones to replace them. Stress results in an imbalanced immune system, making us vulnerable to infections as well as chronic disease.

Mitochondria
These tiny structures exist within every cell in the body, and as the “power plants” of the cell they are responsible for producing all of the energy needed for every single function. This energy is produced as ATP and to make it requires key nutrients from food to be digested and absorbed from the gut. But producing this energy also creates toxic molecules, which are neutralized by antioxidants which also come from our diet. If the demand for energy is too great for too long, the mitochondria – and its cell – become damaged. Without healthy mitochondria, cells become damaged, dysfunctional and even die.

Brain

The brain normally utilizes about 20% of our energy supplies, primarily in the form of glucose or ketones. This requires good digestion and healthy mitochondria to keep the brain supplied with fuel to function.  Acetylcholine is a major neuro-transmitter in the brain and in nerve endings through the peripheral nervous system; it is also anti-inflammatory. It is made in the mitochondria using some of the same ingredients needed for ATP production. 

Serotonin, a major neurotransmitter impacting mood, is mostly produced in the gut. When the stress response is prolonged, this depletes the brain’s capacity for creative and critical thinking and mood regulation, often further impairing the ability to deal with stress.


MEDITATION AND HEALTH

While meditation has been practiced in various forms for centuries, and has long been associated with many parameters of improved health and well-being, science is only recently starting to understand the mechanisms by which it works. Studies are demonstrating the positive impact of meditation practices on various disease conditions, and the potential power for it to change the trajectory of this epidemic of chronic disease. Research findings on HOW it works are not all consistent though, as ways of meditating can be quite varied and this seems to impact the results. However, some common threads are emerging; two main mechanisms are outlined below.

Default Mode Network:
One mechanism by which meditation works is by altering connectivity in the brain – the so-called Default Mode Network, or DMN. This is a network of brain regions that is active when the brain is restful but awake. Meditation seems to decrease this DMN activity, leading to increased cortical connectivity [5] - in other words, there is activity connecting areas of the brain that aren’t normally part of this network that enables us to take a different, more detached perspective on things in our life. When we aren’t so attached to events, the sympathetic response is less likely to be triggered, or if it is triggered it is to a lower extent that is easier to recover from.

Vagal Nerve:
Meditation also activates the parasympathetic response, in large part through the vagal nerve. This not only impacts heart rate and other vascular parameters, it also connects our gastrointestinal tract to our brain. There is now a growing body of evidence that this bidirectional communication through the “brain-gut axis” is a complex system that is key to our health, and when it is out of balance is linked to many health issues. [6]

Meditation has been shown to increase vagal nerve activity, or tone, and restore normal functioning of these many systems including digestion, immune response, and brain neuroplasticity/resilience. [6] It is thought that one way this occurs is through deep breathing, although there may be other mechanisms in play.  As we learn more about how meditation works and how it influences our biology, we can develop more targeted and personalized approaches to maximize its potential – while making it easy and accessible for people to integrate into their daily lives.


EPILOGUE

In a recent MedTech Review of a meditation and brain optimizing device called BrainTap®,  Dr. Kline and her colleagues took on the task of assessing its ‘active ingredients’- binaural beats, isochronic tones, holographic music and blue/red light. (see complete tech review) It is found that these neurosensory applications have had a long history in other devices also supporting the science and wellness communities for their reactive properties.  Having collected the vast majority of user testimonials online, and clinical reports from fellow team mate, Dr. Leslie Valle Montoya (Santa Barbara, CA) who had already spent the better part of 3 years with the device on her patients, these reviews added greatly to our peace of mind about consumer safety.  

Academically, the appeal in assessing this specific product is partly due to the diverse and multiple points of wellness that the device was designed to target.  A wide range of brain and mental health-related specialists alike may truly enjoy conducting their own independent case study of this device, each using their specific level of science to assess its array of claimed benefits.  Areas like the parasympathetic nervous system, brain optimizing and stress & anxiety are just some of the key points of interest worth exploring.  If the device in fact aligns and supports Dr. Kline’s multi-layered physiological roadmap to wellness and the user’s reaction(s) in the meditation state, a fair and comprehensive tech review of this device should be best achieved under multiple streams of evaluators.  Reporting on its assessed benefits would then be a matter of the collective team trading notes for all areas of common ground.


ROBERTA KLINE, MD (Educational Dir. /Women's Diagnostic Group) is a board-certified ObGyn physician, Integrative Personalized Medicine expert, consultant, author, and educator whose mission is to change how we approach health and deliver healthcare. She helped to create the Integrative & Functional Medicine program for a family practice residency, has consulted with Sodexo to implement the first personalized nutrition menu for healthcare facilities, and serves as Education Director for several organizations including the Women’s Diagnostic Health Network, Mommies on a Mission. Learn more at https://robertaklinemd.com/




THE CRITICAL ROLE OF DIAGNOSTICS IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS  By: Dr. Jess Sabrowsky DNP, RN, FNP-BC


What I have learned over the years is the importance of listening to the patient, but equally, the importance of using data-driven diagnostics to make real-time decisions about care. This is not just about numbers on a chart—it is about understanding the full picture of your health, long before symptoms arise.

We need to use technology, diagnostics, and assessment techniques to gather real data. Data that can guide each patient on their unique health journey. Diagnostics help us understand the true state of a person’s health, even when they may not feel “sick.” This is where the rubber meets the road: when you find a PCP who truly understands the importance of these tools and works with you to achieve your wellness goals and who also has skills beyond the transitional medical model to help you live your best life.

Having difficult conversations is uncomfortable, but it is necessary for growth. If you want a healthcare provider who will partner with you—someone who creates a safe space, builds trust, and encourages honest dialogue to support long-term growth—then you must also be willing to put in the effort. Finding a provider who matches your commitment to your health, and one who uses diagnostics to empower you, is key to achieving your goals.

WHY DIAGNOSTICS MATTER
In short, diagnostics are essential because they offer concrete, actionable insights into your health that go beyond surface-level symptoms. They help uncover hidden health risks and enable early intervention, which can be the difference between preventing a chronic condition or managing it effectively. Diagnostics allow for personalized care tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of the individual based on real, measurable data. I also would add that as a provider I prefer to reference functional lab ranges when reviewing results as I find that I can make small preventative recommendations and also challenge individuals and providers to think outside the box when looking to help resolve health conditions, like in the case of my daughter who otherwise would still be suffering. Let’s aim to stop the suffering and optimize wellness for all who seek it. 



Friday, January 3, 2025

MEET PRENUVO: FULL BODY SCREENING MRI

By: Lennard M. Gettz / NYCRA NEWS Editorial Team  

The NY Cancer Resource Alliance and HealthTech Reporter proudly introduces the latest installation of the Prenuvo clinic in New York City. All Prenuvo facilities offer the most current diagnostic advancement in whole body MRI imaging. Recognized for its volume of diagnostic-quality images acquired under one hour, Prenuvo's capacity to capture whole-body imaging through its unique, cutting edge analytic software offers a comprehensive array of next generation applications for early detection and real-time monitoring of complex diseases and cancers.  

On April 20, NYCRA NEWS conducted a special interview with DR. RAJ ATTARIWALA, Nuclear Medicine Radiologist, PhD Biomedical Engineer and  Founding Radiologist of Prenuvo. Known commonly as "Dr. Raj", he shares his commitment to improving on the current state of modalities in cancer diagnostics by offering  advancements on the performance, range and design of our current MRI technology.  

INTERVIEW PART 1: FROM CONCEPT TO DEVELOPMENT by Dr. Raj Attariwala
I bought my first MRI machine in 2009 and published my concepts about the very first whole body diffusion images at a conference called the International Society for Magnetic Residence and Medicine or ISMRM back in 2011. It was well received and led to an invited review on the topic in the Journal of MRI in 2013. The imaging society recognized this as a powerful and highly beneficial solution at a time when most facilities can only scan individual organs or body parts (ie. prostate, breast, chest, abdomen etc). Scanning the entire body is really challenging from an MRI hardware and software point of view because MRI machines and associated software were simply not designed to do that.  

The need 'to see more' has always been part of the diagnostic equation. In the field of nuclear medicine which looks at function of tissue, we often  scan the whole body when we inject a radioactive tracer, because you don't ever want to bring a patient back and re-inject them again. The beauty of MRI's absence of radiation and the ability to combine traditional anatomic (form) images with the power of functional imaging techniques invited the idea of covering more (actually the entirety) of the body without the need for any injection. I learned about the power of combining form and function years ago here in New York when I was training in the emerging field of PETCT at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

This collaboration cycle to build the whole body paradigm was a continuous process between MRI Physicists/ ENGINEERS and RADIOLOGISTS to expedite the design and prototyping stage. Having a doctorate in both fields made me the translator to both groups who commonly do not 'speak' the same language. Materializing concepts mean communicating  features radiologists need to see with those who could build programs and luckily, the progress became fairly streamlined and this process does not alter the FDA approval of a MRI.  



THE FULL-BODY STRATEGY FOR CANCER SCANNING
In simplistic terms, having a full-body access comports to the fact that everything is connected in one way or another.  Tumor cells start somewhere, but they can spread almost anywhere they want. If we find a cancer in stage one (which usually means confined to the organ of origin) what happens afterwards is to ask if it is IN FACT confined to that organ, or if it has spread somewhere else. This is called staging.

After a cancer is detected, patients often go into a panic asking "What stage is it? ... Is it metastatic?" Working with the conventional MRI or CT of the past, they would have to wait to get a brain MRI, then a chest, abdomen, pelvis study and a bone scan etc. With our technology, we already have all that. We've routinely found people with stage  one cancer as part of early detection. This is a good basis where you want to find it. From here, searching 'full  body' is the best next step to make sure that it's not anywhere else in the body. Using an MRI with diffusion, we can see it  all.  

An MRI is known as the most detailed imaging available for scanning a tumor anywhere in the body. Creating a treatment strategy becomes more effective when you know no areas have been overlooked. Patients and physicians both have a higher and more confident level of understanding about what they're dealing with. A great example is confirming that the pounding headache that a patient suffers from after a diagnosis of cancer is stress related, not due the fear of a metastasis...Whole body MRI coverage can preempt this concern.


REPLACING CONTRAST?
From a tumor perspective, you frequently get an increased number of cells which contributes to increased metabolism which often requires more energy. Injecting contrast – ie MRI gadolinium or CT iodine – ends up going to areas of increased blood flow where there is more energy needed, whereas FDG Positron Emission Tomography delivers increased glucose to the cells that are growing and have more energy demand. Instead of contrast our diffusion system works to track cellular density – whereby increased cellular density usually means a high concentration of cells (which is a tumor) which gives off a lot of signal. So as a result we're actually looking with diffusion at cells at a cellular level to see how dense (or hard) they  are. That's how we're able to characterize what the tissue is composed of with that functional diffusion sequence.  


COMMUNICATION TOOLS FOR EARLY DETECTION
Ideally, we want to find things in stage one, but the only way we can do that is to SCREEN. To create a full-body baseline scan of anyone offers a new layer of peace of mind whether we find something or not. In our decade long history, we have luckily found many early stage cancers in patients who were not expecting anything wrong – and this adds to the success and fortunately efficacy of the treatment phase.  

After a Prenuvo scan, diagnostic-quality images are provided to each patient, which are available for review between patient and physician. For those who receive a Prenuvo scan because of potential concerns, correlating what is on the images with their possible symptoms is a major benefit to confirming a disorder. If a patient has concerns of symptoms expressing  as night sweats, unusual weight loss, bone pain etc, a one hour Prenuvo scan can provide almost unequivocal imaging answers, or at the very least eliminates most major concerns and provide peace of mind, because with MRI we have looked through the entire body where the eyes cannot see.

Once an issue is identified, our radiology team communicates the report. For continuity of care, our team of health practitioners will go through and explain what's going on. If there's no  cancer per se, then the report goes directly to the patient with the findings combined with simplification of terms  so anyone can understand what it means. However if there is a finding, the scans directly go to a group of health practitioners who discuss next steps directly with that patient and ensure they're connected into the medical system. We remain involved with the entire patient journey and want to be part of the whole imaging continuity of  care  spectrum that the patient should have.






"CANCER DETECTIVE" FINDS GROUNDBREAKING SCAN

5/20- Dr. Bard receives the 2023
NY Cancer Resource Award 
On April 20th @ 4:30PM, Dr. Robert Bard scheduled his first FULL-BODY MRI on 312 West 34th Street.  Prior to its opening date on 4/27, PRENUVO welcomed special guests to test drive their cutting-edge imaging solution.  Positioned in NYC as the 8th installment is a significant landmark in Prenuvo's international footprint.  As a prominent figure in cancer diagnostic imaging and non-invasive research, Dr. Bard found great interest in experiencing this full-body innovation firsthand.
For over 3 decades, Dr. Bard has committed his life's work in the use and support of diagnostic imaging to detect cancer tumors. He is aligned with a global network of fellow cancer 'detectives' and clinical specialists.  He is often called to 'test drive' the latest ultrasound upgrades as part of developers' R&D, prior to market deployment. In addition, Dr. Bard is also a clinical researcher using ultrasound imaging to quantify therapeutic effects of non-invasive medical devices.

On April 27, 2023, Prenuvo officially announced the opening of their first New York City clinic. Founded in Vancouver, Canada, the company is recognized for their design of proactive whole-body imaging for the early detection of cancer and other diseases. With this expansion, New Yorkers will now have access to the fastest, safest, non-invasive whole-body screening on the market so that they can take personal control of their health and seek proactive solutions. [Source: Prenuvo press release]

PRENUVO REBOOTS HOLISTIC IMAGING WITH FULL BODY MRI By: Robert Bard, MD | Originally published in HealthTechReporter.com 

Unlike the many MRI's without contrast of almost every part of my body over the years, this was actually an interactive and possibly enjoyable experience. In addition to not having to worry about getting a contrast infusion, the fact that it was getting so much of the body minus the hands and feet offers an excellent overview. Because disease in one part of the body may cascade dysfunction in other parts of the body, the developers of this full body scan offers a diagnostic solution to address this. For example, a gallstone can drop into the pelvis, or an ovarian tumor can spread to the axilla or a melanoma of the calf can metastasize to the brain. The idea of full body imaging to rule out any kind of metastatic disease or primary disease like an aneurysm or an unsuspected kidney cancer is very important.

For such a comprehensive scan that takes a little more than an hour without any preparation is quite impressive to me.  In the case of abdominal imaging (specifically) for prostate studies, the fact that you don't need an enema or pre-op work is a major upgrade. Conducting a procedure becomes much easier due to the multiple areas of monitoring that are simultaneously available. This means you're getting more than one “workup”.

What I find special about the Prenuvo experience is that after the scan, you are contacted by a specialist who will explain the procedure and your imaging report.  For non-medical people, this process is invaluable. Also the video presentations of the pathology are placed before you in a three dimensional hologram- making it easy to navigate through the scans. 

Prenuvo promotes their technology as a PREVENTATIVE tool for anyone interested in a full-body view of their health.  This also works as part of an EARLY DETECTION protocol because the sooner you can catch something, the more time you have to address it- especially with cancers. Also, this is an advantage with inflammatory disease since psoriasis of the nail or the fingers can involve the joints anywhere in the body, especially in the pelvis and the sacroiliac joints. This would tell you if the treatment you are getting is responding slowing or if the progression is not working at all.  This full body scan offers a whole look at where the problem is and where it isn't and lets you confidently focus on the treatment technology in a more suitable direction.

INTELLIGENT SCAN FOR COMPLEX DISORDERS
Currently, the modern thinking of disease has changed. Something like psoriasis (a worldwide skin disease) not only affects the skin and the joints, but gives you an increased risk of stroke and cancer development. So when you get the full body scan, you check if your heart or brain are involved by the vasculitis. This is an inflammatory disease- and because it's a whole body disorder, we want to treat the whole body. As a matter of fact, it makes sense to scan the whole body first- making the Prenuvo ideal for producing a proper base line. 

The same thing goes with metastatic cancer. You need to see where it is, where it's going to and where it hasn't gone to. The conundrum occurs with a tumor vs. the inflammation that usually appears with a tumor. We are seeing this more often- where a large cancer is actually part-cancer, part scarring fibrosis and part-inflammation.  In other words, what you see and feel isn't necessarily disease. Through advanced imaging, you may distinguish suspicious tissue from fibrosis, an inflammatory tissue or cancer which is where the ultrasound compliments the full body imaging.


TECH TALK: PRENUVO'S UNIQUE APPROACH TO WB-MRI

MRI technology has now matured over the past 20-years where we can actually effectively perform diagnostic-quality WB-MRI. Via careful MRI protocol design and optimization, we have developed a specialized WB-MRI focused screening service that has been of significant clinical utility to our patients and referring-clinician colleagues. 

Our approach to whole-body MRI imaging is one that is geared for early detection, fast yet comprehensive, safe and comfortable. Our standard Prenuvo screening protocol is a comprehensive multiparametric Whole-Body MRI study (anatomically covering the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, whole-spine, and lower-extremities through the ankles)  that takes under 1 hour without compromising diagnostic quality. This technique is effective to detect, localize, characterize, and even stage a very wide-spectrum of pathology (ranging from solid-tumors even at small early/localized stages, to benign cysts, to brain aneurysms, and many other diverse pathologies) with a very high-level of sensitivity and specificity for a screening evaluation.  We do this without undesirable radiation or contrast. 

What makes our approach different from traditional MRI approaches, which typically rely primarily on more anatomically-focused imaging, is that we also combine this with an important specialized functional-focused MRI-technique known as Diffusion-Weighted-Imaging (DWI) covering the whole body. DWI has been clinically-demonstrated to play a very valuable role particularly in oncological-imaging; and, in the screening setting DWI significantly enhances  our ability to discriminate oncologically-concerning lesions from benign lesions. DWI can be thought of as an MRI-analogue to PET-imaging (whereas PET highlights hypermetabolism of cancerous tissue, DWI highlights hypercellular-density or “tissue hardness” characteristic of cancerous tissue). 

Our DWI technique, in conjunction with the multiple other well established multiplanar multiparametric MRI sequences in our protocol, afford us the requisite level of sensitivity and specificity needed to provide clinical value in the context of desired proactive screening. Most standard MRI systems are not capable of performing these specialized WB-MRI sequences at an acceptable speed, image resolution, and similar multiparametric comprehensiveness. 

MRI SCREENING vs HOSPITAL CONVENTION-  Prenuvo scans capture 2000 images in 28 areas in under an hour at diagnostic quality, with 1B+ data points acquired, compared to the 4-5 hours it would take through conventional MRI. Conventional MRIs also use pre-programmed protocols that are not optimized for whole-body speed capture without compromising diagnostic quality. We've taken a different approach and verticalized our hardware and designed software acquisition protocols for whole-body diagnostic yield in under one hour.  


THE PROMISE OF EARLY DETECTION
Roberta Kline MD

Despite the promise of early detection, women have had a long history of underdiagnosis of health issues. Having practiced as a board-certified OB-GYN for 15 years, I know firsthand the importance of early detection for some of the most common women’s health issues, including cancer. After all, basic bloodwork, pap smears, and mammograms are routine parts of women’s health care. However, these only address a small fraction of the diseases and health issues that women can face throughout their lives. 

The failure of early detection can be due to many reasons, including a lack of effective screening tests, lack of support for the widespread use of current screening technologies, or lack of access to these services. Some diseases, such as endometriosis, ovarian and pancreatic cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease, have had no effective screening tests and are often not diagnosed until much later in the disease process. Others, such as brain or aortic aneurysms, uterine fibroids, gallstones, and cancers of the bone, liver, or kidney can be detected by currently available imaging, but these are not part of the standard recommendations. 

In a healthcare system that generally prioritizes disease diagnosis over disease prevention, this failure to adopt a proactive approach is not surprising. While enabling early intervention through prevention and early detection strategies is often cost-effective in the long run, it is often more resource-intensive in the short run. Changing this on a global level requires a different mindset and reorganization of resources. It also requires innovative ways of thinking and creating potential solutions. 


INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO PROACTIVE HEALTH
In my endless pursuit for answers to help women better understand the “why” of their health and disease, I have spent the past 15 years seeking cutting-edge approaches to detecting potential issues early rather than waiting until they cause symptoms or disease. What I find continues to inspire me and compels me to share this information and make a difference through research and education.

These advances now make it possible to evaluate predispositions to health issues and create a customized plan for proactive health for each woman. An equally important part of this strategy is regularly assessing how well these strategies are working. Advancements in lab technologies have made it possible to do in-depth analyses of most aspects of our genetics, epigenetics, biochemistry, and molecular functioning. 

However, this “micro” view doesn’t tell everything. We also need to take a “macro” view to screen for masses or other structural abnormalities. Imaging is designed to do just that, and we now have advanced technologies that have expanded our capabilities to see inside our bodies in incredible detail. But, as with lab tests, the conventional model of waiting until someone has symptoms and then only evaluating that specific body part has limited their use for early detection screening. In part, this is due to concerns over unnecessary radiation exposure. Ultrasound and MRI have no radiation and thus are safer options for repeated whole-body screenings. But neither of these was a viable option until recently.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH PRENUVO
Highly detailed diagnostic MRI's are designed to scan specific body parts. To be feasible for scanning the whole body, they needed to be redesigned with this different goal in mind. Recent progress made in imaging technology and AI-assisted interpretation has enabled innovators to create the right balance in detection and accuracy.

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At this point, Prenuvo states it can detect hundreds of conditions in the early stages. This includes many cancers, as well as diseases and other abnormalities that cannot be detected on routine bloodwork or yearly physical exams. This is a potentially powerful tool for helping women be proactive in their health, and I recently had the opportunity to experience a full-body MRI scan with Prenuvo.

Diagnostic MRI scans are not necessarily the most comfortable and can often induce anxiety both in the anticipation and in the actual experience. I was curious to see how Prenuvo compared and was pleasantly surprised.

Having practiced in many different settings, including the military, a large conventional group, and a cash-based practice, I’ve seen how the right patient experience can facilitate health and healing. Prenuvo clearly understands this as well, and it was evident in every part of my experience.

The online registration process included a lengthy health questionnaire. I had not anticipated this and so was not prepared. When I realized there were more questions than I could answer in the time I had allotted for this, I was afraid I would have to start all over again. I was relieved to find that all my answers were autosaved and that I could complete the form over more than one login session. As a point of improvement, it would have been helpful to have received some initial instructions on what information I would need and the approximate time for completion.

I received regular reminders of my progress through the registration process and instructions for my upcoming appointment. They also anticipated many questions I had and answered them proactively in these communications, helping me to feel well-prepared. This also conveyed that I was important to them, not just a number.

March 5, 2024 - On the day of my MRI, the reception area was warm and well-lit - a beautiful contrast to the gray winter day outside. The atmosphere was more like that of a spa than a medical office, and the staff was very courteous, friendly, and attentive. I was brought to the changing room which was beautifully designed and appointed to anticipate my every need. This attention to detail again spoke to how Prenuvo is not just a place to get an MRI, but also values supporting wellness overall.

I was surprised at how comfortable the MRI was. I have had conventional MRIs in the past, and they have felt small and cramped, even a bit claustrophobic. This MRI bed was a little larger, and that made a big difference. It was well-padded, and the technician spent time making sure I was comfortable. She also checked in with me throughout the scan to ensure I was still doing ok. The choice of music or videos was appreciated, and the automated instructions throughout the MRI were clear and very helpful in knowing what was coming next – including how long to hold my breath for some parts of it. 

After my MRI was completed, I was not rushed out to make room for the next patient. Instead, snacks and drinks were available, and I was encouraged to take my time to replenish after having fasted for several hours. I left there feeling well taken care of. While I was informed that I would be getting my results through my personal dashboard, the process to set this up could be improved by handling this as part of the preparation or in automated emails in the day or two following the MRI. 

As a first-time user, once I had figured out how to access my dashboard, I found it easy to navigate.  It provided helpful education about the report and images, and it was easy to share these with others by having them sign up for an account. This is very easy and convenient, especially for healthcare providers who are forward-thinking and are used to this type of platform. However, it can pose a challenge if they don’t feel comfortable or are not able to create an account for a variety of reasons. Prenuvo does anticipate this by enabling downloading the report and image files, although this solution can have its own challenges. 

One challenge I encountered was how to share these images with a local radiology facility, as they typically facilitate this process by reaching out to other imaging centers directly through standard channels. While their security processes prevented them from creating an account with Prenuvo or uploading the images from a portable USB, we eventually did find a workaround through a secure online file-sharing method. 

I appreciated the opportunity to review my scans and results with their designated radiologist. While it’s more accessible to do this as a physician myself, it’s also a level of service available to anyone who gets a Prenuvo MRI scan. This is another element that speaks to a well-thought-out process designed to help people feel knowledgeable and empowered. I think that this is especially valuable for people who don’t have a healthcare provider who is familiar with the whole-body MRI concept or want to be able to have a more personalized experience.


FINDING HIDDEN RISKS CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE
I was amazed at the level of detail and amount of information provided in the report. Not only was it interesting to learn more about my body in a way that I hadn’t been able to access before, but it also revealed things I could act on. This reflects the very essence of proactive healthcare.

Any time someone undergoes any testing, there is always an element of fear of the unknown for what might be detected. We all experience this to some extent, but for some people, it prevents them from taking action. It’s important to understand that ignorance is not bliss. These things are going on in your body, whether you are aware of them or not. Being able to reframe this fear into self-empowerment is important. It doesn’t mean your fear goes away; it just means you can move through it and take action anyway. And that action may very well save your life.

For those who want to be proactive in their health, I see the full-body Prenuvo MRI as a great addition to existing tools for early detection. It fills a much-needed gap for learning more about one’s body and catching any potential issues while they are still easily addressed. 



DR. ROBERTA KLINE is an ObGyn physician, an award-winning author, an educational advocate, and an inspirational speaker for the professional and women’s communities. She holds a combined mission to upgrade how we approach health and deliver healthcare for women through education, globalized communication, research, and advocacy.  Dr. Kline develops and teaches CME programs, consults on gene expression project designs, and leads collaborative projects designed to advance the direction of women’s health. She is also a clinical advisor in integrative medicine and functional genomics to many health organizations including the Integrative Health Research Center.  In addition to her mentorship programs for women physicians, Dr. Kline is Director of Educational Programs for the Women's Health Collaborative, Editor of the Women’s Health Digest, and on faculty at the University of Western States. 






TECH TALK: PRENUVO'S UNIQUE APPROACH TO WB-MRI

MRI technology has now matured over the past 20-years where we can actually effectively perform diagnostic-quality WB-MRI. Via careful MRI protocol design and optimization, we have developed a specialized WB-MRI focused screening service that has been of significant clinical utility to our patients and referring-clinician colleagues. 

Our approach to whole-body MRI imaging is one that is geared for early detection, fast yet comprehensive, safe and comfortable. Our standard Prenuvo screening protocol is a comprehensive multiparametric Whole-Body MRI study (anatomically covering the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, whole-spine, and lower-extremities through the ankles)  that takes under 1 hour without compromising diagnostic quality. This technique is effective to detect, localize, characterize, and even stage a very wide-spectrum of pathology (ranging from solid-tumors even at small early/localized stages, to benign cysts, to brain aneurysms, and many other diverse pathologies) with a very high-level of sensitivity and specificity for a screening evaluation.  We do this without undesirable radiation or contrast.

What makes our approach different from traditional MRI approaches, which typically rely primarily on more anatomically-focused imaging, is that we also combine this with an important specialized functional-focused MRI-technique known as Diffusion-Weighted-Imaging (DWI) covering the whole body. DWI has been clinically-demonstrated to play a very valuable role particularly in oncological-imaging; and, in the screening setting DWI significantly enhances  our ability to discriminate oncologically-concerning lesions from benign lesions. DWI can be thought of as an MRI-analogue to PET-imaging (whereas PET highlights hypermetabolism of cancerous tissue, DWI highlights hypercellular-density or “tissue hardness” characteristic of cancerous tissue). 

Our DWI technique, in conjunction with the multiple other well established multiplanar multiparametric MRI sequences in our protocol, afford us the requisite level of sensitivity and specificity needed to provide clinical value in the context of desired proactive screening. Most standard MRI systems are not capable of performing these specialized WB-MRI sequences at an acceptable speed, image resolution, and similar multiparametric comprehensiveness. 

MRI SCREENING vs HOSPITAL CONVENTION-  Prenuvo scans capture 2000 images in 28 areas in under an hour at diagnostic quality, with 1B+ data points acquired, compared to the 4-5 hours it would take through conventional MRI. Conventional MRIs also use pre-programmed protocols that are not optimized for whole-body speed capture without compromising diagnostic quality. We've taken a different approach and verticalized our hardware and designed software acquisition protocols for whole-body diagnostic yield in under one hour.  


THE FULL-BODY STRATEGY FOR CANCER SCANNING

In simplistic terms, having a full-body access comports to the fact that everything is connected in one way or another.  Tumor cells start somewhere, but they can spread almost anywhere they want. If we find a cancer in stage one (which usually means confined to the organ of origin) what happens afterwards is to ask if it is IN FACT confined to that organ, or if it has spread somewhere else. This is called staging.

After a cancer is detected, patients often go into a panic asking "What stage is it? ... Is it metastatic?" Working with the conventional MRI or CT of the past, they would have to wait to get a brain MRI, then a chest, abdomen, pelvis study and a bone scan etc. With our technology, we already have all that. We've routinely found people with stage  one cancer as part of early detection. This is a good basis where you want to find it. From here, searching 'full  body' is the best next step to make sure that it's not anywhere else in the body. Using an MRI with diffusion, we can see it  all.  

An MRI is known as the most detailed imaging available for scanning a tumor anywhere in the body. Creating a treatment strategy becomes more effective when you know no areas have been overlooked. Patients and physicians both have a higher and more confident level of understanding about what they're dealing with. A great example is confirming that the pounding headache that a patient suffers from after a diagnosis of cancer is stress related, not due the fear of a metastasis...Whole body MRI coverage can preempt this concern. (*click here for full feature)




"COUSIN SAL" GOES WHOLE-BODY MRI

8/8/2023- Ret. FDNY Sal Banchitta signs in to experience his Whole Body MRI from Prenuvo, NYC- a state of the art imaging company founded out of Vancouver, Canada. As one of the founding cancer awareness producers of NYCRA (NY Cancer Resource Alliance0 and F.A.C.E.S. (Firefighters Against Cancers & Exposures), Mr. Banchitta gladly accepted the invitation to receive this complete body scan as part of his pursuits of a base line for future scans and a preventative measure against cancer. "My mission alongside my fellow advocates is to learn about the latest modalities in diagnostics and treatment to bring awareness about cancer resources to the rescue community", says Sal. Prenuvo’s cutting-edge whole-body scans are based on 10+ years of clinical work while curating the biggest data set of whole-body MRI scans in the world. Unlike conventional MRIs, which take hours and often involve contrast injections, Prenuvo scans for 500+ conditions, including most solid tumors which can be detected as early as stage 1, in addition to aneurysms, cysts, and more –- all without radiation, in under an hour.



CANCER ADVOCACY IN THE NEWS!
3/27/2024- 23 years later, those exposed to 9/11 continue to feel the health repercussions of toxin and toxicants from the historical urban disaster. More than the 343 firefighters who perished during that fated time, we continue to find cases in the rescue and responder service, contracting the many types of illnesses from this horrendous response call. 13x Emmy Award winning reporter Marvin Scott covers the EARLY DETECTION program as he interviews Dr. Robert Bard (Cancer Imaging Radiologist) and Ret. FF and 9/11 responder Sal Banchitta. Dr. Bard presents his state-of-the-art imaging innovations to provide firefighters with some of the most advanced scanning solutions. "There are many tools out there that patients should know about. I'm pretty fortunate to have access to Dr. Bard and his program for advanced screening and I tell all my fellow firefighters about 'Getting Checked NOW!" (See video)

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