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Trials of tomosynthesis have yielded evidence to suggest that the 3D information provided can be a more effective technique in the earlier detection of breast cancer when compared to mammography.

Trials of tomosynthesis, a next generation breast examination tool, have yielded significant evidence to suggest that the 3D information provided can be a more effective technique in the earlier detection of breast cancer when compared to conventional and digital mammography.

Clinical trials have been underway for the last two years and initial results have now been released by Dr. I. Andersson at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital of Malmö in Sweden.

UK clinical trials of Tomosynthesis are set to be announced later this year and offer positive advancements for the earlier detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

The Swedish study used a Siemens digital mammography system and Tomosynthesis module to focus on a group of 36 patients with 40 breast cancers which were difficult to interpret on 2D digital mammography.  From the breast cancer sample, 22 out of the 40 lesions were better visualised via the 3D tomosynthesis information than 1-view 2D digital mammography.  Compared with two-view digital mammography 11 cases were still better visualised on Tomosynthesis.

Tomosynthesis takes a number of low dose images from different angles from which slice-like images of the breast can be reconstructed.  When pieced together, the slices reveal far greater detail and clearer information of the whole breast to assist with earlier detection.

"Despite the great success rates of breast cancer detection initiatives across the world, Tomosynthesis offers another step forward in this area to improve survival rates further and detect cancers earlier," said Samantha Smith, Women’s Health Specialist at Siemens Healthcare.  "Simply put, this technology advancement enables us to virtually slice up the breast to look inside and explore in-depth.  Earlier detection of lesions can mean less invasive treatments."

Dr. I. Andersson from the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital of Malmö in Sweden comments, "The main limitation of 2D projection mammography is that the anatomical structures above and below a tumour may limit the radiologist's ability to detect a cancer.  Digital breast tomosynthesis is a new 3D technique that is showing clear evidence in overcoming this limitation.  Further studies are in progress, but Tomosynthesis will have an important role to play in the future of breast care and is likely to replace mammography in the future."

The UK's national breast screening service, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is currently using analogue mammography systems.  This service is set to get an overhaul next year where mobile and fixed screening units will be upgraded to digital.  This will speed up the services and allow the sharing of electronic files across hospital environments.  Although some digital mammography units are already in place in the UK for symptomatic referrals, the nationwide screening upgrade to digital will be a hugely positive step in continuing the positive work of breast cancer screening, especially in light of the catchment age group being widened to a 47-73 age group by 2012.

Siemens Healthcare is the only digital mammography provider in the marketplace to offer tomosynthesis ready systems that require a simple upgrade rather than complete machine renewal.