iCAD, provider of computer-aided detection (CAD) solutions for the early identification of cancer, has announced an update to its flagship SecondLook CAD system. iCAD, provider of computer-aided detection (CAD) solutions for the early identification of cancer, has announced an update to its flagship SecondLook CAD system. SecondLook 300 Version 8.1 provides, for the first time, full support for film-to-digital conversion of prior X-ray films, while applying comprehensive CAD technology to the digitized images.

The radiologist uses CAD technology in conjunction with primary review of mammography slides. CAD marks the 'areas of interest' on a mammogram for the radiologist and is currently used with both analog and digital mammography technologies. This latest upgrade, which debuted at the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA) annual conference earlier this month, will enable mammography centers to fully digitize current and prior mammography films, and apply CAD either at the time of film digitization, or later in the workflow process. In addition, radiologists can compare new mammograms with prior images, including those taken with film, on a single digital review workstation.

"Transitioning from traditional film mammography with CAD to digital mammography is a time consuming and costly process that can be burdensome for mammography centers," said David Marichal, Assistant Executive Officer of Radiology & Imaging Specialists (RIS) Women's Imaging Center, Lakeland, FL. "This new version of iCAD's state-of-the-art CAD and film digitizer system has helped to both streamline and optimize our workflow. The system not only applies the benefits of CAD technology to the newly-digitized images -- ultimately enhancing patient care -- but also improves clinical productivity."

"SecondLook 300 Version 8.1 is a dramatic step forward in our mission to provide customers a complete film-to-digital imaging CAD solution," said Ken Ferry, Chief Executive Officer of iCAD, Inc. "More importantly, the latest upgrade sets the stage for broader adoption of full-field digital solutions to support our customers' needs for greater workflow efficiencies and improved cancer detection."

Using sophisticated algorithms, iCAD detection software enables earlier cancer detection which can allow less invasive and more effective treatment options, enhancing patient care. iCAD's algorithms have been shown to detect up to 72 per cent of actionable missed cancers an average of 15 months earlier than screening mammography alone.