Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation awards grant for imaging-agent research

CLEMSON — Clemson University researchers developing imaging agents to allow a new method of detecting breast cancers have received $180,000 from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American women.

The new method allows for a combination of light and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) that may help researchers look at different parts of cells and tissues.

Clemson chemistry professor and principal investigator Ya-Ping Sun said the funding will play a major role in further developing Clemson technologies on fluorescent carbon nanomaterials, dubbed “carbon dots”, by implanting magnetic elements into the dots. This will serve as a contrast agent for both light- and magnetic-imaging techniques for the early detection and diagnostics of breast cancers and beyond. Li Cao, a research scientist in Sun’s research group, will carry out the research project.

source: Clemson University

Women with Breast Implants Encouraged To Go Beyond Regular Mammogram Screening

Norwalk, CT (PRWEB) October 28, 2008 -- NewImage.com, the premier online destination for personal image enhancement solutions, is pleased to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for a second year by helping raise awareness of the importance of early detection and encouraging women with breast implants to go beyond regular mammography screenings to reduce the risk of possibly missing a tumor hidden under an implant.

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NewImage.com wants every woman with breast implants to feel confident about the precautions she is taking against breast cancer. In addition to regular mammography screenings, monthly breast-self exams and a risk assessment from a physician, NewImage.com suggests* women with breast implants to be extra cautious and educate themselves about the risks and responsibilities that come with undergoing breast augmentation.

source: eMediaWire

Mammography Equipment Market to Surpass $1.1 Billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc

San Jose, California (PRWEB) October 27, 2008 -- Globally, rising awareness about breast cancer has allowed women to come forward for their yearly mammograms after the age of 40 years or earlier, if required. Mammography is recommended as standard screening process for breast cancer globally, resulting in increased adoption of such procedures. A major driving force for the worldwide market for mammography equipment is the fact that one out of every eight women in industrialized countries faces the risk of being affected by breast cancer.

United States and Europe account for about 80% of global volume sales of mammography equipment Technological innovations such as computer-aided detection (CAD) and digital mammography, as well as emerging technologies such as thermal mapping and optical imaging are expected to offer positive growth prospects for the market, as stated in a recent report published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Analyzing segment-wise, the Digital mammography equipment market is estimated at US$610 million for 2008. Growth in the segment is driven by numerous technological advantages that ensure improved imaging, rapid scanning, and convenient usage. Although the growth of Full field digital mammography (FFDM) segment in the initial years was almost negligible, the outlook is changing due to proven usage in screening procedures. In the United States, Full field digital mammography market is projected to reach US$677 million by 2015.

source: PR Web

How coloured lights help with breast scans

James Connell

A visit to the hospital for an intimate examination can be distressing, nervewracking and embarrassing for some patients. Now the use of coloured “MoodLight” during breast examinations at Worcester’s main hospital may be the latest way to, quite literally, banish patient blues.

The new machine has been ordered by staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Newtown Road, Worcester, to help put patients at ease.

The machine uses “warm and soothing tones” to reduce patient anxiety during examinations.

It is the first time in the county’s hospitals that the use of colour in technical breast examinations has been used to help relax patients during awkward and sometimes embarrassing procedures.

source: Worcester News

3-D Doppler Ultrasound Helps Identify Breast Cancer

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Three-dimensional (3-D) power Doppler ultrasound helps radiologists distinguish between malignant and benign breast masses, according to a new study being published in the November issue of Radiology.

"Using 3-D scans promises greater accuracy due to more consistent sampling over the entire tumor," said lead author, Gerald L. LeCarpentier, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Radiology at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. "Our study shows that 3-D power Doppler ultrasound may be useful in the evaluation of some breast masses."

Malignant breast masses often exhibit increased blood flow compared to normal tissue or benign masses. Using 3-D power Doppler ultrasound, radiologists are able to detect vessels with higher flow speeds, which likely indicate cancer.

source: RSNA

Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System Subcategories Improve Diagnostic Accuracy in Mammographic Reports: Presented at ASCP

BALTIMORE, Md -- October 17, 2008 -- Use of Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System (BI-RADS) subcategories by radiologists can help improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnoses, according to research presented here at the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 2008 Annual Meeting.

Mary Ann Sanders, MD, PhD, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, and colleagues conducted their study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of BI-RADS subcategory 4 diagnosis of mammograms by radiologists. Dr. Sanders presented the results on October 16.

Mammograms can now be subcategorised according to American College of Radiology criteria. "Levels 1 to 3 are benign lesions, and level 5 will almost always turn out to be malignant. Level 4, however, will turn out to be malignant in 30% of cases," she explained.

source: Doctors Guide

Medipattern's B-CAD(R) Increases Diagnostic Accuracy on Small Breast Cancer Lesions

The Medipattern Corporation (TSX VENTURE:MKI - News), a pioneer in the development of medical software solutions that help improve imaging workflow and productivity, is pleased to announce that a study abstract, showing a statistically significant increase in diagnostic accuracy when using B-CAD Version 2 on lesions less than 1 cm in size, has been published in the October 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The study was conducted at the PLA301 Hospital in Beijing, China using the global version of B-CAD Version 2, and reported in the paper: "The Value of Computer-Aided Detection for Breast Ultra-Sonography (B-CAD) in the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer" by principal authors Dr. Jun Lai Li and Dr. Dan Fei Song. The study is based upon 100 confirmed biopsied cases, comparing the diagnostic accuracy of three reading scenarios: a single physician, double reading with two physicians, and a single physician reading with B-CAD. The accuracy of the single physician increased with B-CAD in all categories. The most striking result shows a statistically significant 44 percent improvement in diagnostic accuracy for the single reader with B-CAD V2 on lesions less than 1 cm in size (n equals 9).

source: Medipattern

SNM Releases New Fact Sheet on Breast Cancer and Molecular Imaging

RESTON, Va.—Coinciding with the observance of Nuclear Medicine Week (October 5 to 11) and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), SNM released today a new fact sheet highlighting recent developments in molecular imaging technologies that are dramatically improving the ways in which breast cancer is diagnosed and treated.

Molecular imaging is a highly effective, safe and painless imaging tool for diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Physicians report that the information they have gained from molecular imaging technologies has resulted in decisions to change the course of treatment in between 24 and 48 percent of breast cancer cases.

Breast cancer is just one of many types of cancer for which new and emerging molecular imaging techniques and therapies can significantly improve detection, diagnosis and treatment.

source: SNM

Single Mammography Reading With Computer-Aided Detection Is Viable Alternative to Double Reading

October 2, 2008 — Previous studies have shown that double reading of mammograms can improve breast cancer detection and is standard practice in about a dozen European countries. However, a study in the current October 1 online issue of the New England Journal of Medicine found that a single reading with computer-aided detection is a viable alternative to double reading for screening mammography. In addition, computer-aided detection can improve the rate of identifying malignant lesions in mammograms read by a single reader.

The researchers found that the proportion of cancers detected by a double reading was 199 (87.7%) of 227 compared with 198 (87.2%) of 227 for a single reader using computer-aided detection. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were also similar between the 2 methodologies.

source: Medscape

Anoto Digital Pen Cuts Mammogram Analysis From Hours To Minutes In France

Sweden-based Anoto Group AB, the inventor of the Anoto Digital Pen and Paper technology, announces its tremendous success in reducing waiting lists for breast cancer screening by significantly shortening the time it takes to analyze mammograms. The digital pen has been implemented in France's "Plan Cancer" program to combat this growing public health concern.

Since 2003, France offered a systematic and organized breast cancer screening for women between the age of 50 and 74 contributing to regularity of screening tests. An alarming 40,000+ new breast cancer cases reported each year inspiring the program which participates are invited to testing via a mammography ever other year. A women's anxiety rises with waiting for breast cancer results.

source: Medical News Today