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

New test for breast tumors: Water ultrasound imaging seems as accurate as mammography

DETROIT – You're lying face down on a massage table, your breast encased in a water bath through an opening in the table. Tiny ports from a surrounding ring fire ultrasound waves. There are no X-rays. There is no pain. There is no holding still for 20 minutes or more.

And in the time it takes to finish reading this paragraph, you will have safely and cheaply completed a high-definition, 360-degree mammogram, courtesy of an ultrasound imaging machine in experimental stages at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Its inventors think it will soon become the preferred method for detecting and monitoring breast tumors.

source: Dallas News

First Accredited CME Course on BSGI - the Molecular Breast Imaging Exam, Now Available to All Physicians

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute for AdvancedMedical Education in partnership with WebMedEd and Applied Radiology nowoffers an online CME course on Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI), amolecular breast imaging exam. The course is designed to educate physicians onthe utility of BSGI as a critical adjunct procedure to mammography, ultrasoundand MRI to help diagnose early stage breast cancers, particularly types thatcan be difficult to detect, such as DCIS and lobular carcinoma.

The program is accredited for Two (2) AMA/PRA CME Credits(TM) and isdivided into a five-module presentation. Dr. Margaret Bertrand with SolisBertrand Breast Center in Greensboro, NC presents an "Interpretation andComparison to Other Modalities" and Dr. Ward Parsons with The Rose BreastCenter in Houston, TX presents "A Molecular Imaging Complement To BreastDiagnostics: Technology and Clinical Indications." The online course alsoincludes several case presentations from each physician, as well as aninterview session covering some of the most talked about topics in molecularbreast imaging.

source: International Business Times

MBI better than mammography for dense breast tissue

There may be a more effective way to detect breast cancer in women with dense breasts, according to a study released Sunday.

Molecular breast imaging (MBI) detects three times as many breast tumours as mammography in high-risk women with dense breast tissue, researchers at the Breast Cancer Symposium in Washington said.

MBI is a relatively new screening method wherein patients are injected with a radioactive agent that is absorbed by breast tissue. Cancer cells absorb more of the agent than healthy cells. A specialized camera tracks the agent and can distinguish between healthy tissue and cancer tumours.

source: CTV.ca News

Radiation Medical Group Is First In USA To Offer New Breast Cancer Treatment Option

Radiation Medical Group, Inc. is the first center in the nation to use a new version of the SAVI applicator for radiation treatment of breast cancer, potentially expanding the number of women who will qualify for breast brachytherapy.

RMG is the first center to use the SAVI™ 6-1Mini applicator, which is designed for the delivery of radiation to small or hard-to-treat lumpectomy cavities. The new device makes a shorter, more convenient form of radiation therapy available to more women.

"We are proud to be the first center to offer this new SAVI applicator option," said Gina Mansy, M.D., a radiation oncologist at RMG. "We are committed to providing women with state-of-the-art technology and the latest treatment breakthroughs, to arm them in the fight against breast cancer."

source: Radiation Medical Group

Surveillance mammography after treatment for primary breast cancer

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme has commissioned a new study to identify the most effective and efficient surveillance methods for women who have received treatment for primary breast cancer. There are 45,000 new cases in the UK each year and although the majority of women never experience a recurrence, it does return in approximately 25 per cent of women. The majority of these recurrences are found during the first three years after treatment.

It is generally accepted that early diagnosis is a key factor influencing survival from breast cancer, with an 81 per cent reduction in mortality compared with women who were identified with more advanced stages. A recurrence of breast cancer might be found either by physical examination or by mammography, a process which uses low-dose X-rays to examine the breast. There is, however, no general agreement as to the best way to monitor patients for recurrence or how often women should receive X-rays.

source: National Coordinating Centre for Health Technology Assessment

New Data On Breast Imaging Using Cardiolite(R) To Be Presented At ASCO Breast Cancer Symposium

Lantheus Medical Imaging, a worldwide leader in diagnostic imaging, announced that the company's leading imaging agent, Cardiolite® (Kit for the Preparation of Technetium Tc99m Sestamibi for Injection) will be featured in a new study on molecular breast imaging being presented on Sunday, September 7, 2008, at 7:00am -12:00pm (EDT) as part of the poster sessions (abstract #68) at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's 2008 Breast Cancer Symposium in Washington, DC.

"This promising new study on molecular breast imaging provides encouraging data for millions of women and families who are impacted by breast cancer and sheds light on potential new diagnostic approaches for finding tumors in women who have dense breast tissue, which can confound mammograms," stated Don Kiepert, president and chief executive officer of Lantheus Medical Imaging. "We are proud to supply the imaging agent for this important clinical effort. Breast cancer is a devastating disease and we recognize how important and valuable early detection is for women."

source: Lantheus Medical Imaging

Molecular Breast Imaging More Effective than Mammography at Detecting Cancer in High-Risk Women with Dense Breasts

In the largest study to date to compare a screening technique called molecular breast imaging (MBI) to mammography, researchers have shown that MBI can detect three times as many cancers in women who have dense breast patterns on their mammogram and are at increased risk of breast cancer.

Mammography is the current standard of care for breast cancer screening. However, it can be difficult to distinguish normal breast tissue from tumor tissue in women with dense breasts using mammography. As a consequence, women who have dense breasts as well as other breast cancer risk factors often need additional screening.

MBI is a relatively new screening method in which patients are injected with a short-living radioactive agent that is absorbed by breast tissue. This agent is tracked with a specialized camera that can distinguish healthy tissue from breast cancer tumors, as cancer cells absorb more of the radioactive agent
than healthy cells. MBI is currently available at a limited number of cancer centers, but its availability is growing. While more expensive than mammography, MBI is about one-fifth of the cost of breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

source: ASCO

PresGar Implements RamSoft's Digital Mammography Software

Less than a year into the process, RamSoft, a leading developer of affordable healthcare information technology, has successfully helped PresGar, the nation's largest privately-owned medical imaging service company, establish a significant digital mammography presence at eight of its imaging centers.

The result has been increased efficiency among PresGar mammographers and technologists and substantial savings for the company. If things go as planned, a ninth center may soon join the mix, combining RamSoft's PowerServer PACS and Gateway Routers with PresGar's new digital mammography system.

source: Medical News Today

Manhattan Diagnostic Radiology First in New York City to Offer Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) Scanner From Naviscan

NEW YORK, Aug 13, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Manhattan Diagnostic Radiology announced today that it will be the first imaging facility in Manhattan to offer Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) in the fight against breast cancer. This installation will provide Manhattan Diagnostic Radiology an increased ability to image and diagnose early-stage breast cancers, positively impacting cancer management. The leading-edge technology provides unprecedented metabolic resolution down to 1.5 millimeters.

"We recently received prestigious designation as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence from the American College of Radiology acknowledging our commitment to providing the highest level of breast care to our patients," said Craig H. Sherman, M.D., Senior Partner and Director of PET/CT imaging at Manhattan Diagnostic Radiology. "We have always sought out the very best in diagnostic imaging technology, and PEM will be the latest in a long list of firsts for our center. We expect that PEM will prove indispensable to effective breast cancer management for both our referring physicians and our patient population."

source:Naviscan

“Convenience” of Screening Mammography Facilities Plays Major Role in Patient Retention

Patients cite “convenience to home or work” as the main reason they changed mammography facilities, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and The Barrett Center in Cincinnati, OH.

The study included 303 current mammography patients (“stayers”) and 117 patients who no longer received mammography at the university-based center (“leavers”), said Mary C. Mahoney, MD, lead author of the study.

The study showed that among the “leavers” 37% cited convenience to home or work as the reason for leaving the university-based site and choosing a new mammography provider. Other reasons for leaving the university-based site included difficulty scheduling appointments (15%); 14% of those who left the university-based center indicated that their current mammography provider was mandated by their insurance provider.

source: ARRS

iCAD Achieves Record-High Ratings in Mammography CAD User Satisfaction

iCAD, Inc. (Nasdaq: ICAD), an industry-leading provider of Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) solutions for the early detection of cancer, today announced that the Company has achieved record-high customer satisfaction ratings in the Mammography CAD market, according to the independent healthcare research group MD Buyline.

In MD Buyline’s User Satisfaction Report for the first two quarters of 2008, iCAD remains #1 in mammography CAD for user satisfaction in system performance, system reliability, installation/implementation, applications training, service response time and service repair quality compared to Hologic/R2. Additionally, iCAD has attained record-high customer service ratings in the categories of System Reliability, Service Repair Quality and overall service and quality.

source: iCAD

Lidocaine Gel Could Make Mammograms More Comfortable

Mammograms are not one of the Top 10 things women look forward to each year. In fact, they may be in the Bottom 10, or even the Bottom 3. While they don't compare to the pain of surgery or childbirth, mammograms are an uncomfortable procedure for most women, but one that is considered a necessary evil. It is easy for many women to wince at the first thought of getting their screening for breast cancer. But help may be a smear away.

A new study conducted shows that a numbing gel could ease the pain associated with getting a mammogram and may make women more likely to come back for subsequent screenings. The lead author of the study said that the gel might act as a simple secret weapon: "We now have something that we know reduces discomfort with screening mammography in women who expect higher discomfort—lidocaine gel."

source: Healthnews

Aurora(R) Breast MRI Society Debuts The Journal Of Breast MRI

North Andover, Mass. – The Aurora® Breast MRI Society, a rapidly growing group of dedicated breast radiologists committed to advancing the use of cutting-edge dedicated breast MRI technology, previewed the newly developed Aurora Breast MRI Society Global PACS Teaching Tool. The teaching tool was introduced before an audience of more than 100 radiology professionals in attendance at the second annual Aurora Breast MRI Society Meeting, recently held in Newport Beach, Calif.

“The establishment of the Aurora Breast MRI Society Global PACS Teaching Tool is incredibly exciting, as it will provide Society members an exclusive Internet-based community in which they are able to network with colleagues, share clinical knowledge and data, enhance professional development, and improve the management and treatment of breast disease,” said Kamilia F. Kozlowski, M.D., president, Aurora Breast MRI Society, and medical director/CEO and clinical breast radiologist, Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center. “We are proud of the progress made in supporting our Society�s mission through the introduction of the Aurora Breast MRI Society Global PACS Teaching Tool and know that this will be a very valuable tool for all practitioners using it.”

source: Aurora Breast MRI Society

Scientist Presents New Breast Cancer Imaging Method

Flemming Forsberg, Ph.D., professor of Radiology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, presents updated results on the effect of using subharmonic imaging (SHI) in determining a breast cancer diagnosis at the Fifth Era of Hope meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. SHI – a new breast cancer imaging technique – appears to improve the diagnosis of breast cancer relative to conventional ultrasound and mammography.

“With these recent findings, SHI could provide a major improvement to breast imaging and patient care,” said Dr. Forsberg.

source: EmaxHealth

Experimental Imaging System Helps Detect Breast Cancer

(HealthDay News) -- Researchers have devised a new breast-imaging technology that appears to be as accurate as MRI scans but several times cheaper.

The technique, called molecular breast imaging (MBI), is still in the early stages of development, the scientists added.

"We envision MBI being useful for women who are not served well by mammography, those who have mammographically dense breast tissue, and those at increased risk for breast cancer," said study author Carrie Beth Hruska, a research fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. "We have been working on the technology for the last six years. However, there are a lot of technical challenges that have had to be overcome, so it's still in the very early stages for use in patients."

source: US News & World Report