Four World Health Organization (WHO) member states and nine non-governmental organizations (NGOs) co-organized a side event during the 68th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) entitled “Imaging for Saving Kids - the Inside Story about Patient Safety in Pediatric Radiology." The International Society of Radiology (ISR) was one of the initiators of the side event.

Phase III results of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0537 indicate that acupuncture-like, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ALTENS) may be equally effective as pilocarpine to treat radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth). Study results were published in the June 1, 2015 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics (Red Journal), the official scientific journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). RTOG 0537 is a phase II/III, multi-center, randomized trial comparing ALTENS with pilocarpine, which is the current standard of treatment for radiation-induced xerostomia.

With the introduction of Elekta's new Leksell Gamma Knife Icon, the benefits of precision cranial radiosurgery are now available for more patients with a wider variety of tumor types and sizes. This latest generation stereotactic radiosurgery system for the brain integrates advanced motion management, dose delivery and imaging technologies, significantly increasing the versatility of Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Elekta unveiled Leksell Gamma Knife Icon at the 3rd European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO) Forum in Barcelona.

Oxford Instruments plc has acquired Medical Imaging Resources Inc. (MIR). MIR specializes in the build, lease and service of mobile medical imaging labs.

The novel Ga-68-PSMA-ligand positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has substantially higher detection rates of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy, according to a recent study. Discovering a recurrence early can strongly influence further clinical management, so it is especially noteworthy that this hybrid PSMA-ligand identified a large number of positive findings in the clinically important range of low PSA-values (<0.5ng/mL).

Ipsen announced the signature of an agreement to acquire OctreoPharm Sciences, a private German life sciences company developing innovative radioactive-labeled compounds for molecular imaging diagnostics and therapeutic applications. Ipsen plans to maintain the company location and staff to ensure successful transition of know-how and expertise. The company expects to complete its acquisition once closing conditions have been cleared.

Mid Atlantic Bio Angels (MABA) announced that Ultravision LLC was chosen as "Best in Show" at MABA's New Jersey 1st Pitch Life Science event. The event took place at the Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship on the campus of Kean University in Union, New Jersey, on May 6, 2015. Ultravision is a medical device company that has developed a unique ultrasound needle that allows physicians to perform peripheral nerve blocks for pain management while using color to identify their location.

MedQuest Radiology Management Services has found that maintaining a focus on data can increase radiology sales and marketing success, resulting in a significant boost to revenues and the bottom line. This is a more sustainable solution than the more common reaction of cutting overhead when radiology departments and centers start feeling the pinch from decreasing reimbursement and rising costs.