iCAD, Inc., a
New Hampshire-based provider of advanced image analysis and workflow solutions
for the early identification and treatment of cancer, announced an industry
first tomosynthesis computer-aided detection (CAD) tool during the European
Congress of Radiology (ECR) meeting in Vienna, Austria.
The breakthrough technology employs the PowerLook Advanced Mammography Platform (AMP) that offers significant productivity and efficiency in breast, prostate and colorectal cancer detection.
“Cancer detection solutions have proven to be effective for 2D mammography in assisting radiologists to identify cancer in earlier stages, when it may be more effectively treated,” said Ken Ferry, CEO of iCAD.
“We believe our concurrent read software for breast tomosynthesis will change how radiologists read tomosynthesis studies creating an improved reading experience and a more efficient workflow while also aiding in the detection of cancer.”
The workflow tool will initially be introduced in European markets and is expected to secure FDA approval in the U.S. later this year.
A typical 2D mammogram involves examining two images per breast, while tomosynthesis can produce hundreds of images, significantly increasing the interpretation time for radiologists. iCAD's breast tomosynthesis cancer detection solution analyses each image identifying potential areas of interest in the tomosynthesis data set and blends those areas of interest onto a synthetic 2D image so that they are visible on a single image of the breast.
The enhanced synthetic 2D image is also linked to the 3D tomosynthesis dataset, creating an efficient and effective navigation tool for radiologists and significantly decreasing reading time.
“Using the tomosynthesis CAD solution from iCAD is an excellent, innovative and reliable entry gate to the diagnosis. It summarises the read, saving precious reading time and reaches the end point quickly,” said Dr. Laurent Lévy, Institut de Radiologie de Paris.
At the ECR event, iCAD also showcased its iReveal automated breast density solution that provides a standardised assessment of breast tissue to assist radiologists in determining the patient's appropriate breast density category.
“As 40 percent of mammography age women will have dense breasts at some point in their lives, knowing the degree of breast density can be crucial information for patients and doctors alike. iReveal can help radiologists avoid unnecessary follow up for their patients while identifying women who may benefit from additional screening,” Ferry added.
According to a company announcement, iCAD is the only CAD solution that incorporates detection support, lesion analysis, automated breast density assessment, quality assurance, and resource planning functionality into one solution. It operates on a Windows 7, multi-vendor CAD server, that provides consistency across all digital mammography systems.
