Dual-Modality Breast Tomosynthesis Expected to Improve Breast Cancer Detection

University of Virginia Cancer Center researchers have developed a hybrid breast imaging device which combines 3-D anatomical (structural) imaging and 3-D biological (functional) imaging, into one integrated device. Breast visualization is currently performed mainly using mammography and ultrasound but these methods can be unreliable in radiographically dense breasts and the rate of false-positive results is high. The newly developed system uses 3-D digital X-ray breast tomosynthesis together with 3-D molecular breast imaging tomosynthesis, a recently developed technique that uses intravenously injected tracers that are absorbed to a much greater degree by malignant lesions than benign ones. A special camera positioned in close proximity to the breast then performs functional imaging of the entire breast, while the digital x-ray tomosynthesis obtains co-registered structural images. It is expected that this technique can more accurately pinpoint the exact location of breast masses and more accurately distinguish between cancerous and harmless lesions, although further studies are still needed. Results of a pilot study with 17 women are presented in the April 2010 issue of Radiology.
More from the University of Virginia press statement: Pioneering Breast Scanner Holds Great Promise for Accurately Detecting and Diagnosing Breast Cancer at Its Earliest Stages…
Article abstract Dual-Modality Breast Tomosynthesis (April 2010 Radiology, 255, 191-198)