We know that the current protocols for the treatment of cancer patients require the care of specialty physicians in National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in order to get the best patient outcomes. However, the potential for receiving care at an NCI-designated cancer center decreases by 11% for every 10 miles one travels from a center. 

Patients required to travel long distances for care have worse outcomes. This is compounded by hospital closures happening all over in our rural communities. Just in Kansas alone, 48 hospitals are at immediate risk for closing and another 28 are at high-risk – that is 76 rural hospitals at risk of closing, which translates into more cancer deaths among rural patients. 

This project combines intuitive augmented reality visualization and data-driven medical imaging with seamless remote collaboration and an innovative delivery model to bring NCI-level cancer care to patients who lack access to such facilities.

The project’s alternative cancer care delivery model creates additional infrastructure in the healthcare system, and helps to bridge the current gap of access to specialty trained physicians and myriad medical professionals while considering the new landscape of emerging technologies. 

Using MediView technology that leverages AR and spatial computing to solve challenges associated with ultrasound guided medical procedures. MediView AR technology allows the clinician to place the imaging in the most natural position, allowing alignment of the senses in respect to the patient. This alignment of senses is amplified by a new generation of digital tools made possible through augmented reality. MediView allows the clinician to visualize the ultrasound in the patient’s body and set reference trajectories to potentially increase first needle pass accuracy. MediView technology creates a cascade effect when paired with reliable data connectivity. A new generation of collaborative digital tools becomes possible, and practical in everyday patient use. 

Radiologists can stream live images during a biopsy procedure to a remote site of collaborating radiologists through wi-fi enabled devices.  The solution can be deployed during a patient clinic visit allowing an on-site APP and remote collaborating surgeon to assess a patient together in real-time through a simple audiovisual feed.  Incorporating this technology will offer patients an Augmented Clinical Experience (ACE) where they receive the same level of NCI-designated cancer care by a specialty trained provider while being minutes from their home.

Dr. Jamie Wagner is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery. She completed a fellowship at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She earned her medical degree from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences and completed her residency at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth. Dr. Jamie Wagner is currently an Associate Professor of Surgery, at the University of Kansas Medical Center where she serves as the Vice-Chair of Clinical Affairs and Division Chief of the Breast Surgical Oncology Division in the Department of Surgery, and Breast Program Director at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. Dr. Wagner was raised in western Kansas and Northeast Missouri. Treating patients with breast cancer is truly the calling of Dr. Wagner’s life. Women diagnosed with breast cancer must overcome more obstacles during their treatment journey than with most other types of cancer. This disease not only impacts the physical, but also the psychological health of women. Dr. Wagner is passionate and dedicated to help her patients through the diagnosis, treatment and survival of breast cancer. Dr. Wagner holds the designation of Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (FACOS).

Learn more about Dr. Wagner’s Story

By 2030, 70% of cancer diagnosis will be in individuals older than 65 years, a cohort in the population that already has the highest cost of care. Additionally, many patients reside in rural communities that do not receive equitable cancer care and are threatened by impending hospital closures. 

To learn more about this project, or to inquire about investment opportunities, please contact Jim Starcev at jstarcev@kcdigitaldrive.org.