The prototype of a new machine that can detect tumors in women with dense breast tissue has been developed by researchers from UCL, Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University, in collaboration with the Kromek international technology team.
All breasts consist of fat (fat) and fibrous (dense) tissue. Up to 40% of women have dense breasts containing a high percentage of fibrous tissue.
Dense breasts are a problem for mammography tests, designed to detect cancer increases. Because both dense tissue and tumors appear white in mammography, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two.
Magnetic resonance scans are sometimes used to obtain a more detailed scanning of dense breast tissue. While it is a useful diagnostic tool, MRIS can take up to one hour per scan, making it impossible for ordinary control. Digital mammography (CEDM), used to highlight the areas that are concerned in the chest, exposes patients to higher levels of radiation and are not widely available.
Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is another technology that uses a radioactive traceer to “light” the areas of cancer in the chest. It has a high sensitivity to detect cancer in dense breast tissue compared to a typical mammography, but the radiation dose is higher and the exposure time is longer.
Improved MBI technology has the ability to overcome these restrictions by offering a reduced scanning time of about ten minutes, much lower radiation exposure and higher levels of 3D imaging.
This progress will not only significantly reduce the process time, but will also provide a clearer picture of where the cancer tissue is located without the need for further visualization. Together these improvements mean that the new MBI technology could be a more effective, safer and accessible solution for complementary examination in women with dense breast tissue.
About 40% of women have dense breast tissue, but this is only evident when they attend their mammography. This is not usually a cause of concern, as sorting with mammograms is effective, but women with dense breast tissue have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.
Finding new technologies that can improve our ability to detect breast cancer in dense breasts is really important. We are happy with the progress we have made with Kromek, Newcastle University and UCL since the project started in 2022.
Dr. NERYS Forester, Radiologist Breast Consultant and Radiology Breast Lead Program in Newcastle Hospitals
Professor Kris Thielemans, a physics specialist from the UCl Division of Medicine who works in this work with his colleagues Dr Kjell Erlandsson and Professor Brian Hutton, said: “This project is an important opportunity to promote the detection of cancer cancer. with dense breast tissue.
“With the development of this imaging technology, we move closer to access to early detection and more effective for a wider range of patients.
“In addition, I believe that this new technology has significant capabilities for applications beyond breast visualization. For example, there is an increasing need for special brain imaging devices better than currently feasible in areas such as cancer and dementia treatment.”
Dr. Arnab Basu, Managing Director of Kromek, said: “Our new Molecular Breast Imaging technology has the ability to save women’s lives, allowing earlier, faster, more accurate detection of aggressive breast cancers, especially those with dense breast tissue.
“With zinc zinc detectors with peaks and advanced electronics, this technology offers faster scanners in a lower dose, turning a standard 2D image into accurate 3D view.
The project, which has received £ 2.5 million from the Innovate UK, will enter clinical trials as soon as the current phase of original tests is completed.
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