Breast Cancer Screening Tool Avoids Radiation, Compression, Contrast
Breast cancer remains a significant concern for women around the world, with approximately 380,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed in the United States alone this year. Despite the importance of early detection, screening mammograms are underutilized, with a recent survey finding that 59% of eligible women do not schedule their annual mammogram. Additionally, CDC data shows that overall non-adherence to recommended screening is roughly 23%.
The consequences of not undergoing regular mammograms are significant, as the test can miss about one in eight breast cancers. This has led to concerns about the latest recommendation from the American College of Physicians, which suggests that average-risk women should wait until age 50 for routine mammograms and screen only every other year. This shift away from early and broad screening has raised alarms within the medical community, with the American College of Radiology warning that it may lead to thousands of additional breast cancer deaths each year.
In response to these gaps in screening and diagnosis, the medical community is developing adjunct tools that enhance existing screening methods without adding health risks. One such tool is Clarity Health, a breast cancer screening tool that uses AI to analyze completed mammograms and assess a patient’s risk of future cancer. This approach has gained clinical credibility, with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network updating its guidelines to include this AI-based risk assessment approach.
For many women, a ‘normal’ mammogram does not always provide clear answers. Women with dense breast tissue, in particular, face challenges as dense tissue can make it difficult to detect tumors. While MRI is often recommended for follow-up, it is expensive and requires specialized radiologists. Handheld ultrasound exams are another option, but access to trained personnel can be limited.
To address these challenges, medical device company QT Imaging has developed a 3D ultrasound scanner as a breast cancer screening tool. Unlike mammography, MRI, or handheld ultrasound, the 3D ultrasound scanner uses sound waves to create a three-dimensional image of the breast without compression, radiation, or contrast. The scanning process involves placing one breast at a time into a tank of warm, chlorinated water, where a ring of transducers rotates around the breast to capture coronal slices.
Clinical data on the effectiveness of 3D ultrasound is promising, with early results showing that the scanner detected every finding identified by MRI in a head-to-head study conducted with Mayo Clinic. The technology has the potential to reduce unnecessary biopsies and offer capabilities that differ from MRI, such as detecting calcifications and distinguishing cysts from solid masses with high precision.
Overall, the development of adjunct tools like 3D ultrasound scanners offers hope for improving access to screening and accuracy of diagnosis for breast cancer. As the medical community continues to innovate in the field of breast cancer screening, these technologies have the potential to save lives and improve outcomes for women worldwide. The latest advancement in breast imaging technology is the QT scan, which offers a non-invasive and radiation-free alternative to traditional mammograms. One of the key features of the QT scan is its ability to calculate breast density automatically, eliminating the need for third-party processing required in mammography. This simplifies the imaging process and provides more accurate results for patients.
One of the most exciting aspects of the QT scan is its potential as a surveillance tool. Because it does not involve radiation or contrast agents, the scan can be repeated frequently and safely. Research at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is exploring its use for monitoring tumor response in patients undergoing chemotherapy. This is a significant development, as traditional imaging methods like MRIs or mammograms may raise concerns about cumulative contrast load or radiation exposure in these patients.
Ongoing studies with Mayo Clinic and Sunnybrook are showing promising results, with future research planned at Stanford. While the early results are consistent, larger sample sizes and peer-reviewed publications are needed to validate the technology. Comparisons with MRI have shown similar sensitivity and specificity, demonstrating the potential of the QT scan as a reliable imaging tool.
For patients interested in undergoing a QT scan, it is important to note that the scan is currently considered a supplement to mammograms. Patients should not replace their screening mammogram with a QT scan, but rather use it as an additional screening tool, especially for those with dense breast tissue. The process of getting a QT scan is relatively straightforward, with no physician referral required. Patients can book directly at independent imaging centers, providing a self-referral option in the complex screening landscape.
Cost is a major consideration for patients seeking a QT scan, as the out-of-pocket expense ranges from $600 to $700. Insurance coverage for the procedure is not yet widespread, but recent progress has been made with the introduction of a Category III reimbursement code. This code, set to go into effect in January 2027, is a step towards full insurance coverage for the QT scan. The company behind the technology is working towards fair reimbursement rates with payers, with the goal of eventually elevating the code to Category I for routine coverage.
While the QT scan remains an out-of-pocket option for many patients at the moment, the potential for wider insurance coverage in the future is promising. For now, the QT scan offers a safe and effective alternative for women seeking a more comprehensive approach to breast imaging.
