TuVol is an app to calculate tumour volume and estimate doubling / response time
This app has been developed for use in the Medical and Scientific communities.The purpose is to provide a simple method of estimating the volume of solid masses. The intended use is for cancers although benign lumps are also compatible.The app has been developed on behalf of Mr Angus B Gordon, who is a Consultant Breast Surgeon at Charing Cross Hospital, London. He has had a long term interest in this subject and has written posters and papers that have been published at various International Conferences, including:San Antonio Breast Cancer SymposiumChicago American Society of Clinical OncologyVienna European Congress of RadiologyThe subject titles for these conferences have been under the heading Tumo(u)r Volume AnalysisThe author believes that tumours should be measured by volume (cm^3) rather than by a single diameter as is the case in RECIST. One of the functions of the app will assist the transfer from diameter based measurements to volumetric ones.Background:In the 1950s the World Health Organisation proposed that solid tumours be measured using the product of the longest diameter and the one perpendicular to it.In 2000 the RECIST system was published. RECIST Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours. In RECIST, the single largest diameter is used as measurement of the tumour.Percentages were introduced to assess changes in tumour sizes:30% reduction: Partial Response20% increase: Progressive DiseaseIn between: Stable DiseaseIn Partial Response a 30% reduction of a 2cm spherical lump is 6mm, but the volume decreases by 65%.In Progressive disease a 20% increase of a 2cm spherical lump is 4mm, but the volume increases by 73%.These are mathematical facts but involve complicated equations and so are not the standard method in clinical practice.Using this app to assist in the management of Cancer treatments will yield more accurate information, which will benefit patients.