Breast Cancer Detection: New Technologies Push the Envelope

Article preview from Medtech Insight - March 01, 2011

Technologies for breast cancer detection are evolving rapidly as manufacturers work to push the diagnostic envelope beyond standard screening mammography, ultrasound technology, and magnetic resonance imaging. At two recent meetings, the November 2010 meeting of the Radiology Society of North America and the March 2011 meeting of the European Congress of Radiology, several presentations focused on the latest research and technology developments in breast cancer detection.

Breast Cancer Detection: New Technologies Push the Envelope

Article preview from Medtech Insight - March 01, 2011

By Anne Staylor

Technologies for breast cancer detection are evolving rapidly as manufacturers work to push the diagnostic envelope beyond standard screening mammography, ultrasound technology, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Today, companies are developing newer imaging technologies with the goal of providing earlier detection, higher sensitivity and specificity, lower doses of radiation, and improved image quality, particularly for patients with dense breasts—a group that comprises 25% of women over the age of 40.

At two recent meetings, the November 2010 meeting of the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA) and the March 2011 meeting of the European Congress of Radiology (ECR), several presentations focused on the latest research and technology developments in breast cancer detection. Looking to the future, researchers hope to integrate many of these imaging methods with the latest molecular laboratory tests as they look for better ways to diagnose breast cancer at the earliest possible stage, identify patients likely to respond to new targeted therapies, and develop improved prognostic capabilities using a more personalized and collaborative approach.

The market for breast cancer detection is significant. In the US alone, it is projected to reach more than $2.8 billion by 2013. ( See Exhibit 1.) Although an uncertain economic environment and pullback in capital spending has significantly impacted the rate of growth in the market for diagnostic imaging systems and breast cancer detection, less capital intensive segments of this market, most notably minimally invasive breast biopsy systems and genetic testing, are projected to see strong growth in the years ahead.

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