Mammography Study in BMJ Flawed: Discredited Data Used

Newswise — Discredited and obsolete data used in Raftery and Chorozoglou, published Dec. 8 in the British Medical Journal, underestimated lives saved by mammography screening by half. The authors' comparison of inconvenience and anxiety of false positives to breast cancer deaths is also questionable.

“The estimated 15 percent reduction in breast cancer deaths used in this study is the same used in 2009 by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. That estimate has been discredited by a series of large randomized control trials and other data that prove the benefit is at least twice that,” said Barbara Monsees, MD, chair of the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Commission. “While anxiety over test results is real, most women simply need another mammogram or ultrasound exam to answer questions about their mammogram. A small number will undergo a benign breast biopsy based on an abnormal screening and subsequent evaluation. However, most women would balk at comparing the anxiety of this with that of dying from breast cancer.”

Recently, Tabar et al, a landmark study, published in Radiology, that involved 130,000 women followed over 29 years, re-confirmed that regular mammography screening reduced the breast cancer death rate by 30 percent.

source: Newswise

Breast cancer patients face increasing number of imaging visits before surgery

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- Breast cancer patients frequently undergo imaging like mammograms or ultrasounds between their first breast cancer-related doctor visit and surgery to remove the tumor. Evaluations of these scans help physicians understand a person's disease and determine the best course of action. In recent years, however, imaging has increased in dramatic and significant ways, say researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center. More patients have repeat visits for imaging than they did 20 years ago, and single imaging appointments increasingly include multiple types of imaging.

The researchers, led by Richard Bleicher, M.D., surgical oncologist at Fox Chase, found that between 1992 and 2005, the percentage of patients who had multiple (2+) imaging visits nearly quadrupled. Bleicher says additional visits present a burden to patients, many of whom are elderly, but the stress may be alleviated through better coordination and evaluation by physicians. Bleicher will present his group's findings on Friday, December 9 at the 2011 CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

"The burden to the patient is increasing substantially," Bleicher says. "The number of days patients are having mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds is going up steadily year by year. They're having imaging done more frequently on separate dates during the preoperative interval than ever before. It's surprising."


source: EurekAlert

Breast-Mammogram Detector Mismatch Results in Excess Radiation

By: PATRICE WENDLING, Family Practice News Digital Network

CHICAGO – A mismatch between breast size and detector size during mammography resulted in significantly higher doses of radiation for women with large breasts in a study of 886 patients.

On average, women with large breasts screened on a small detector received almost 5 milligray (mGy) of radiation, which exceeds the American College of Radiology guidelines of 3-4 mGy or less for a standard two-view mammogram.

Women with large breasts screened on a small detector received an average of almost 5 mGy of radiation, which exceeds guidelines of 3-4 mGy or less for a standard two-view mammogram.

When a mismatch occurs, women with large breasts receive significantly higher doses of radiation than women with small breasts or their counterparts with large breasts correctly matched to a large detector, Dr. Cathy Wells said when presenting the award-winning study at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

"Women with large breasts should be imaged with a large detector to avoid an unnecessary increase in radiation dose," she urged.

source: Family Practice News

New trials show land mine technology can give women fast, accurate breast cancer screening

Developed by Micrima, a spin-out from Bristol University, the revolutionary new screening technology – developed from a land mine detection project - now takes just eight seconds to provide a three-dimensional breast scan that provides results that are comparable with X-ray mammograms.

However, the MARIA (Multistatic Array processing for Radiowave Image Acquisition) system is not only safer and cheaper than current breast screening methods, it should also provide more reliable results in younger women who are overlooked for screening at present, with the additional benefit of being more comfortable for women undergoing the test.

The team behind Micrima is now raising new funding to help them achieve their goal of commercialising the targeted product – making breast cancer scans as normal as a dental or eye check-up.

Roy Johnson, Executive Chairman of Micrima, said "The new 3D breast screening platform under development aims to be safer, more convenient and more economically viable in a greater number of countries, in addition to providing a practical solution to screening women below the age of 50."

source: Medxpress.com

New Study Supports Mammography Screening at 40

CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Women in their 40s with no family history of breast cancer are just as likely to develop invasive breast cancer as are women with a family history of the disease, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). These findings indicate that women in this age group would benefit from annual screening mammography.

The breast cancer screening guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in November 2009 sparked a controversy among physicians, patient advocacy groups and the media. Much of the debate centered on the recommendation against routine annual mammography screening for women in their 40s.

"We believe this study demonstrates the importance of mammography screening for women in this age group, which is in opposition to the recommendations issued by the task force," said Stamatia V. Destounis, M.D., radiologist and managing partner of Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, LLC, in Rochester, N.Y.

For the study, Dr. Destounis and colleagues performed a retrospective review to identify the number and type of cancers diagnosed among women between the ages of 40 and 49—with and without a family history of breast cancer—who underwent screening mammography at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care from 2000 to 2010. The researchers then compared the number of cancers, incidence of invasive disease and lymph node metastases between the two groups.

source: PR NEWSWIRE

BSGI/MBI Proven to Be Equivalent to MRI in the Detection of Breast Cancer

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Nov. 30, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI), also known as Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), has been found to be equivalent to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as an adjunct imaging modality in the diagnosis of breast cancer. BSGI/MBI may be especially useful for the evaluation of high-risk women or those with dense breasts. These findings will be presented in an abstract at the 2011 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting to be held in Chicago, Nov. 27 through Dec. 2, 2011.

According to the study authors, MRI has become increasingly popular as an adjunct to mammography in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Despite its sensitivity in lesion detection, MRI is expensive and can cause patient discomfort. BSGI/MBI has similar sensitivity to MRI, costs less and is comfortable for the patient. This study aimed to directly compare the two modalities.

It was concluded that BSGI/MBI results led to further workup and detection of occult malignancies. In fact, negative MRIs without contradictory BSGI/MBI results would have led to six missed malignant tumors in this study. Also, the authors noted that as the study demonstrated BSGI/MBI’s equivalency to MRI in the diagnosis of breast cancer, that BSGI/MBI may be useful for the evaluation of high-risk women or those with dense breasts. For this study BSGI/MBI was conducted with a high-resolution gamma camera, the Dilon 6800®.

source: News.Gnom.es

Hologic Introduces Synthesized 2D Image Algorithm Designed to Eliminate the Need for a 2D Mammogram in a 2D plus 3D Tomosynthesis Exam

BEDFORD, Mass., November 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Hologic, Inc. (Hologic or the Company) (Nasdaq: HOLX), a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostic products, medical imaging systems and surgical products dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, announced today the commercial release of its C-View synthesized 2D image reconstruction algorithm that eliminates the need for a conventional 2D mammogram as a component of a 3D mammography( tomosynthesis breast cancer screening) exam. C-View software is approved for sale throughout the European Economic Area and in other countries recognizing the CE Mark.

For users of Hologic's 2D plus 3D tomosynthesis breast cancer screening system, C-View software creates a 2D image from a single tomosynthesis scan and eliminates the need for the acquisition of additional 2D exposures.

Dr. Stephen Rose, a board certified radiologist with Houston Breast Imaging, one of the first U.S. radiologists to adopt breast tomosynthesis, stated "Hologic's synthesized 2D image reconstruction algorithm is very impressive. C-View provides the information contained in a conventional 2D mammogram without the need for additional exposures while maintaining the superior clinical performance of Hologic's combo-mode (2D plus 3D) imaging."

source: Hologic

CoActiv Medical and PenRad Announce Sales Alliance to Provide Integrated Mammography Image and Information Management

RIDGEFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CoActiv Medical announces a sales alliance with PenRad for the delivery of an advanced, integrated image and information management solution for mammography. The new relationship will enable both companies to deliver a seamlessly integrated solution combining CoActiv EXAM-PACS® and CoActiv EXAM-VAULT® Archiving with the complete suite of PenRad Mammography Information System Modules, enabling breast centers to reap the many benefits of a complete, seamlessly integrated mammography system.

CoActiv has been a leader in PACS and cloud-based image and data storage since 2003. In recent years, the company’s technology has been installed at a large and rapidly growing number of advanced mammography sites, where it supports FFDM, dedicated breast specific gamma imaging (BSGI) and more recently DICOM standard breast Tomosynthesis exams. Its state-of-the-art EXAM-VAULT Quad-Redundant cloud-based archiving stores tens of millions of breast images in a full range of modalities, as well as the complete spectrum of other radiology, cardiology, orthopedic and other imaging studies. CoActiv also supports image viewing on a full range of today’s portable devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Android and Kindle Fire.

source: Coactiv Medical

U-Systems Hosts Second "Innovators in Breast Ultrasound Screening" Webcast Focusing on New Approaches to Breast Cancer Screening

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct 28, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- U-Systems, the leader in automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) technology, today announced another in their series of "Innovators in Breast Ultrasound Screening," webcasts, focusing on progressive approaches to breast cancer screening. The live interactive web-broadcast is scheduled for Tuesday, November 1st at 5pm PST (8pm EST). Registration information is available at www.BreastUltrasoundScreening.com .

The second module in a series of educational tools is intended for radiologists and other healthcare providers involved in the screening and management of patients with breast cancer, as well as technologists involved in the acquisition of images. The webinar will highlight how leading innovators in breast imaging are applying new 3D technology aimed at improving patient outcomes and expanding their clinical practice. The live course will be recorded and be available at www.BreastUltrasoundScreening.com after November 7th.

Educational content features guidance on risk based breast cancer screening, identifying women who would benefit from adjunctive breast screening and why; and review of the clinical data supporting the use of automated 3D ultrasound for women with dense breast tissue. Participants will be able to ask questions and discuss with these early adopters how they are increasing their detection rates of breast cancer in women with dense breasts.

source= Market Wire

Latest Clinical Evidence Supports Promising Outlook For Low-Dose Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI)

The possibility of low-dose Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) looks promising according to the most recent clinical evidence revealed this past month at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Marcela Bohm-Velez and her colleagues from Associates in Pittsburgh, Pa., shared preliminary results from a prospective study on low-dose MBI, specifically Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI), at the SNM Breast Cancer Imaging: State of the Art 2011. Their results suggest it may be possible to reduce the radiation dose patients receive from a BSGI procedure by up to 60 percent.

The tracer used in this procedure, Technetium Tc99m Sestamibi (MIBI), has commonly been used in cardiac studies for years and was cleared by the FDA in the mid-1990s for diagnostic breast imaging. The recommended dose (20 - 30 mCi) was established using an older, larger, less sensitive whole body imaging system. Newer breast-optimized imaging systems have an inherently higher photon sensitivity that may allow a lesser dose to be used.

source: Dilon Diagnostics

Matakina and PenRad Sign Letter of Intent to Display Volpara™ Volumetric Breast Density Results on Mammography Review Station

For Use with Digital Mammography, Volpara is Designed to Assist Radiologists by Objectively and Automatically Assessing a Women's Breast Tissue Density

LAS VEGAS, March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Matakina International, Limited of New Zealand and PenRad Technologies, Inc., a leader in medical image and information management, today announced that the companies have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to use the PenRad Mammography Information System (MIS) to display the Volpara™ breast imaging software. The announcement was made from the National Consortium of Breast Center's (NCBC) 21st Annual National Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference.

Offering radiologists a reliable and cost-effective tool to automatically generate objective volumetric breast density values, the FDA-cleared Volpara breast imaging software computes volumetric breast tissue density from digital screening mammograms. Volpara software assists radiologists by providing objective, automatic and robust measurement of volumetric breast tissue density and is currently available for Hologic and GE digital mammography systems with validation of integration with other systems underway.

source: PR Newswire

New Technologies Open the Door for Low Dose Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) / Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI)

LAS VEGAS, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study by Craig Thiessen, M.D., Director of Radiology for West Houston Radiology L.L.P. and North Cypress Medical Center in Houston, presented this week at the National Consortium of Breast Centers Annual Meeting, found the improved photon sensitivity of new detector technologies such as PSPMTs and CZT should be capable of reducing the radiation dose patient receive from BSGI/MBI studies by 75%. However, low dose imaging is currently an off-label use of the radiopharmaceutical, and there are several prospective patient studies underway to validate the clinical feasibility of low dose imaging.

BSGI/MBI is a molecular imaging tool for detecting early stage breast cancer, particularly for women who are at increased risk for the disease or have dense breast tissue. BSGI/MBI utilizes a radiopharmaceutical to visualize metabolic activity, revealing highly active areas that may be indicative of disease. A primary benefit of BSGI/MBI is that the exam provides a physiological map complementary to the anatomical map produced by mammography, and its ability to detect cancer is not affected by dense breast tissue as mammograms often are. It is also especially useful when mammographic or ultrasonic imaging studies are normal or discordant in the presence of clinical signs and symptoms.

Dr. Thiessen, a nuclear medicine specialist and breast imager, said that "BSGI/MBI- as with PET imaging, shows that molecular imaging is more advantageous in conjunction with standard anatomical evaluation of the body, and specifically the breast. Mammography, ultrasound and MRI look at various structures and patterns, whereas BSGI/MBI looks at the breast on a cellular level to help determine the presence or absence of disease."

source: Dilon

For Use with Digital Mammography, Volpara is Designed to Assist Radiologists by Objectively and Automatically Assessing a Women's Breast Tissue Density

LAS VEGAS, March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Matakina International, Limited of New Zealand and PenRad Technologies, Inc., a leader in medical image and information management, today announced that the companies have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to use the PenRad Mammography Information System (MIS) to display the Volpara™ breast imaging software. The announcement was made from the National Consortium of Breast Center's (NCBC) 21st Annual National Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference.

Offering radiologists a reliable and cost-effective tool to automatically generate objective volumetric breast density values, the FDA-cleared Volpara breast imaging software computes volumetric breast tissue density from digital screening mammograms. Volpara software assists radiologists by providing objective, automatic and robust measurement of volumetric breast tissue density and is currently available for Hologic and GE digital mammography systems with validation of integration with other systems underway.

source: PR Newswire

Naviscan Announces European Launch of Positron Emission Mammography

VIENNA, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Naviscan, Inc., announces the European launch of the Naviscan Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) scanner at two prestigious radiology conferences in Vienna. On March 3rd, at the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) Annual Scientific Meeting, a podium presentation will focus on recently published PEM (Positron Emission Mammography) data demonstrating PEM's ability to reduce unnecessary biopsies by providing superior specificity, the ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Simultaneously at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) conference, March 3 - 7, a poster will be presented featuring new clinical data on the role of PEM for assessment of axillary lymph node (ALN) status in patients with breast cancer.

PEM scanners are high-resolution breast PET systems (also referred to as 3-D Molecular Breast Imagers or Tomographic MBI) that can show the location as well as the metabolic phase of a lesion. This information is critical in determining whether a lesion is malignant and influences the course of treatment. PEM scanners, which are about the size of an ultrasound system, are manufactured by Naviscan, Inc. and have been commercially available since 2007.

The poster will highlight new clinical data from researchers at the University of Chicago on the role of PEM for assessment of axillary lymph node status in patients with breast cancer. Current morphology-based tools for ALN staging include clinical examination, axillary ultrasound and breast MRI, but none are accurate enough to replace the need for pathologic evaluation of the axillary nodes.

source: Naviscan

SuperSonic Imagine Reports Validation of Clinical Benefits of ShearWave™ Elastography

March 5th, 2011 (Aix-en-Provence, France). SuperSonic Imagine presented yesterday the validation of a world wide multicentre study, based on European recruitment, confirming the benefit of ShearWave Elastography when added to ultrasound for improved lesion classification.

Launched by SuperSonic Imagine in June 2008, the global, multi-centre study was conducted across 16 American and European sites involving 1,800 patients with breast lesions. The first major result of this study demonstrated that ShearWave Elastography is reproducible both quantitatively and qualitatively.

This reproducible technology provides strong assurance of precise tissue evaluation during diagnosis and is expected to be also useful in follow-up.The second important outcome is a model based on 939 lesions, which showed that ShearWave Elastography increases the performance of ultrasound breast cancer diagnosis.The addition of ShearWave Elastography features, such as maximum elasticity (stiffness) or heterogeneity (uniformity) of a lesion, to B-mode ultrasound, would permit an improvement in the BI-RADS® classification accuracy, standardization tool for breast lesion classificationfrom the American College of Radiology) improving breast diagnosis.

source: Supersonic Imagine

Naviscan Announces European Launch of Positron Emission Mammography

European Launch Marked By Presentations of Significant New Clinical Data Demonstrating the Value of PEM in Improving Treatment Decisions for Breast Cancer

VIENNA, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Naviscan, Inc., announces the European launch of the Naviscan Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) scanner at two prestigious radiology conferences in Vienna. On March 3rd, at the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) Annual Scientific Meeting, a podium presentation will focus on recently published PEM (Positron Emission Mammography) data demonstrating PEM's ability to reduce unnecessary biopsies by providing superior specificity, the ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Simultaneously at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) conference, March 3 - 7, a poster will be presented featuring new clinical data on the role of PEM for assessment of axillary lymph node (ALN) status in patients with breast cancer.

PEM scanners are high-resolution breast PET systems (also referred to as 3-D Molecular Breast Imagers or Tomographic MBI) that can show the location as well as the metabolic phase of a lesion. This information is critical in determining whether a lesion is malignant and influences the course of treatment. PEM scanners, which are about the size of an ultrasound system, are manufactured by Naviscan, Inc. and have been commercially available since 2007.

source: Naviscan

Comprehensive Guide Offers Multiple Radiologic Modalities in Breast Imaging

(openPR) - New York/Stuttgart – Recently published by Thieme, Diagnosis of Breast Diseases: Integrating the Findings of Clinical Presentation, Mammography, and Ultrasoundoffers key information on the diagnosis of breast diseases using the clinical examination and various radiological modalities. With more than 1,500 radiographs, ultrasound images, and mammograms, this lavishly illustrated atlas offers pre-operative considerations as well as peri- and post-operative management advice.

“[This book is] focused mainly on difficult cases illustrating the diagnostic hurdles and forensic pitfalls that are encountered in breast diagnosis.” says Dr. Volker Barth, MD, Institute for Breast Diagnosis, Esslingen, Germany.

This highly visual guide offers thorough evaluation of the various methods for early detection and accurate diagnosis, including analog and digital mammography, ultrasound, MR imaging, PET/CT, and interventional procedures – all within the setting of the clinical situation. The authors discuss advantages and drawbacks of each procedure in different scenarios. Additionally, this concise resource contains special sections on breast cancer in men and young women, and a discussion of women who are pregnant or lactating,

source: Open PR

TechniScan signs agreement with Texas-based company to co-develop a new version of its breast imaging device

SALT LAKE CITY (January 18, 2011) – TechniScan (OTCBB: TSNI), a medical device company engaged in the development and commercialization of an automated 3D breast ultrasound imaging system, announced today that it has signed a Product Development Agreement with Austin, Texas based Womens3D, Inc. worth a minimum of $1.5 million.

TechniScan and Womens3D will co-develop technology specifically for Womens3D’s proposed target market that is directed toward women’s health practices.

Under the terms of the agreement, Womens3D acquired a prototype of the TechniScan WBU system for $250,000 and contemplates contributing at least $1.25 million more to support development of a specialized whole breast ultrasound imaging system based on the TechniScan Warm Bath Ultrasound (WBU) product now in clinical testing. In addition, TechniScan will supply technical support of the product and customization of the imaging network applications that will be used in part to store and transmit the image files.

source: Techniscan Medical Ssytems

Breast cancer screening with MRI benefits women with radiation therapy history

OAK BROOK, Ill. – Breast cancer screening with MRI can detect invasive cancers missed on mammography in women who've undergone chest irradiation for other diseases, according to a new study published online and in the April print edition of Radiology.

Women who receive radiation therapy as children and young adults for diseases like Hodgkin's lymphoma face a significantly greater risk of breast cancer later in life. The incidence of breast cancer increases approximately eight years after chest irradiation, and 13 percent to 20 percent of women treated with moderate- to high-dose chest irradiation for a pediatric cancer will be diagnosed with breast cancer by age 40 to 45. In comparison, the cumulative incidence of invasive breast cancer by age 45 among women in the general population is only 1 percent.

"MRI's efficacy as an adjunct to mammography in screening women at high risk because of genetic mutation or family history has been established," said the study's lead author Janice S. Sung, M.D., radiologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City. "However, there were no reports in the literature about utility of MRI screening in women who are at high risk specifically due to prior chest irradiation."

In the study, Dr. Sung and colleagues reviewed screening breast MRIs performed at MSKCC between January 1999 and December 2008 on women with a history of chest irradiation. They looked at data from 247 screening breast MRIs in 91 women, with a focus on the number of cancers diagnosed, the method of detection and the tumor characteristics.

Of the 10 cancers found during the study period, four were detected with MRI alone, three with MRI and mammography, and three with mammography alone. The four cancers detected with MRI alone were invasive, while the three cancers detected with mammography alone were in their early stages.

source: EurekAlert

Siemens Celebrates First US Installation of MAMMOMAT Inspiration Full-Field Digital Mammography System

Malvern, Pa., February 15, 2011 – Siemens introduces its next generation of digital mammography with the first US installation of its MAMMOMAT® Inspiration at one of Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology’s nine locations on Long Island, New York. The Inspiration offers digital screening and diagnostic mammography, stereotactic biopsy, and upgrade capability to future technologies all in one system.

“The installation of the MAMMOMAT Inspiration is a key differentiator in helping us provide our patients the most comfortable mammography experience while capturing high quality clinical images,” explained Steven Mendelsohn, M.D., medical director for Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology. “Even though most people understand the importance of having a mammogram, it is not often considered a pleasant experience and many women put off having the exam. The Inspiration’s unique design and comfort features can help patients in our community feel less intimidated by the exam and could be a driver in helping to encourage them to schedule regular mammograms, which is critical to early breast cancer detection."

source: Siemens Medical

Hologic Receives FDA Approval for First 3-D Digital Mammography (Breast Tomosynthesis) System

BEDFORD, Mass., Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hologic, Inc. (Hologic or the Company) (Nasdaq: HOLX), a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostic products, medical imaging systems and surgical products dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, today announced the Company received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Selenia Dimensions digital breast tomosynthesis system (Dimensions 3-D).

Mammography systems using conventional 2-D imaging have limitations caused by tissue overlapping tissue in the breast that may hide lesions or cause benign areas to appear suspicious. Clinical trials using Hologic's Dimensions 3-D system showed measurable improvement in clinical performance over conventional mammography. These trials also showed significant gains in specificity — the confidence to rule out cancer without recalling the patient for further study — and other benefits including improved lesion and margin visibility and the ability to accurately localize structures in the breast. The combination of measurable improvements in accuracy and detection, and improved sensitivity, makes the Dimensions 3-D system a superior system vs. conventional digital mammography systems.

source: Hologic

Hologic Targets Women's Health Professionals at ECR 2011

BEDFORD, Mass., Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hologic, Inc. (Hologic or the Company) (Nasdaq: HOLX), a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostics products, medical imaging systems and surgical products dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, will focus on new, ready to market technologies in women's imaging at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR), the annual meeting of the European Society of Radiology in Vienna, Austria, March 4-7.

Hologic will be one of the largest exhibitors at ECR 2011. Over 19,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to attend.

A major feature of the Hologic exhibit this year is 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) and the Hologic Selenia Dimensions 3D breast tomosynthesis option. Selenia Dimensions, the newest imaging platform in the world's most popular digital mammography line, directly addresses the primary limitations of 2D mammography – the superimposition of normal breast tissue.

Selenia Dimensions systems are installed in more than a dozen countries and cleared for sale in 40 countries. Selenia Dimensions delivers the exceptional 2D images the industry has come to expect from Hologic and, for the first time ever, gives radiologists the option of offering their patients a conventional 2D digital mammogram and a 3D tomosynthesis exam – all under one compression, in just seconds.

source: Hologic

Siemens to Give Away a MAMMOMAT Inspiration in “Who Inspires You?” Video Contest

Malvern, Pa., Jan. 6, 2011– In celebration of the launch of the MAMMOMAT® Inspiration, Siemens new full-field digital mammography system, the company announces the “Who Inspires You?” contest. The winning hospital or imaging center will receive a brand new MAMMOMAT Inspiration and five runners-up will receive a $10,000 voucher toward the purchase of a new Inspiration.

“Siemens conducted customer workshops around the world, in which they gave us their vision for a new mammography system. We listened to them and the MAMMOMAT Inspiration is a direct result of that customer feedback. They inspired us…now we want to know who inspires them. That is what this contest is about,” explained Gerhard Schmiedel, vice president, X-ray Products, Siemens Healthcare.

By going to www.whoinspiresyoucontest.com, healthcare facilities can submit brief videos nominating up to three clinical staff members that regularly inspire colleagues and/or patients in the battle against breast cancer. Candidates can include breast surgeons, oncologists, radiology technologists, radiologists, breast care patient coordinators, OB-GYNs or any other healthcare professional who goes above and beyond his or her responsibilities to provide exceptional patient care in the area of breast cancer.

source: Siemens Medical

Preoperative Breast MRI Suggests High Cancer Yield and Positive Predictive Value in Newly Diagnosed Patients, Study Finds

The use of preoperative Breast MRI detects otherwise occult cancer with a relatively high degree of accuracy when applied to a diverse population of patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer, according to a study in the January issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

The study was performed at the University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle, WA. The review initiated with 592 patients who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent staging with preoperative breast MRI. The analysis set was comprised of 570 patients, whose biopsy rates, positive predictive values (PPVs) of biopsy, and overall cancer yields were calculated and compared using the chi-square test across patient age, breast density, index tumor type, receptor status and lymph node status.

“Our data add to the growing body of literature that documents breast MRI's ability to detect otherwise occult additional disease in patients who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Robert Gutierrez, MD, lead author of the study.

“We found that use of preoperative breast MRI in newly diagnosed cancer patients resulted in an added cancer yield of 12%.This is much higher than the added cancer yield of .08 to 6.7% seen with high risk screening breast MRI, a more widely accepted indication for breast MRI,” said Gutierrez.


source: ARRS