Prototype aims to reveal hidden breast cancers

New Cancer Detection Technology for Dense Breast Tissue

Researchers have developed a prototype scanner aimed at finding cancerous tumors in women with dense breast tissue, a technology they believe could “ultimately save more lives.” The issue with dense tissue is that it appears white on mammograms, similar to how tumors do, making detection quite challenging.

This new imaging method has been created by technology company Kromek in collaboration with Newcastle Hospitals, Newcastle University, and University College London (UCL). It employs a radioactive tracer that specifically highlights breast cancers, enhancing visibility. Clinical trials are expected to begin once the current testing phase wraps up.

According to Dr. Nerys Forester, a consultant breast radiologist at Newcastle Hospitals, about 40% of women discover they have dense breast tissue during their mammogram. This can sometimes raise concerns, as those with dense tissue face a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.

Dr. Forester explained that when breast tissue is very dense, it can create a scenario where finding tumors is akin to “looking for a little white cloud in a cloudy sky.” She emphasized the importance of new technologies for better cancer detection in such cases and expressed her excitement about the prototype’s progress since its inception in 2022. “We hope this technology could ultimately make a difference in reducing breast cancer fatalities,” she added.

Aly Murphy, a breast cancer patient who has participated in this research, shared her enthusiasm, describing the project as “thrilling.” At 65, she learned about her dense breast tissue unexpectedly and worries that her cancer may have gone unnoticed in previous screenings. “This is about pushing boundaries in screening, which is exactly what we need,” she stated, calling the technology “revolutionary.”

Kromek, based in Sedgefield, County Durham, specializes in nuclear radiation detection technology. Dr. Arnab Basu, the company’s CEO, has expressed optimism about using this machine to detect challenging breast cancers. He explained that after patients receive a tracer injection, it concentrates on cancer cells, causing them to illuminate specifically.

Currently, prototype trials are happening at Newcastle Hospitals, with the Northern Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering team overseeing device regulation. Professor Kris Thielemans from UCL noted that the collaboration has “made excellent progress,” with potential applications extending beyond breast imaging. The project has received £2.5 million from Innovate UK and is set to enter clinical trials following the completion of current tests.

Breast Cancer Now’s Sally Kum voiced strong support for this ongoing research, emphasizing the importance of improving cancer detection technologies. If evidence proves effective, the charity aims to advocate for quick adoption of these methods across the UK. Meanwhile, the Department for Health and Social Care plans to release a strategy to “fight cancer on all fronts,” which includes better screening protocols.