A recently developed AI tool has demonstrated exceptional precision in identifying women who may benefit from additional MRI screenings following a negative mammogram. This tool has been significantly more effective than traditional breast density measurements, identifying four times as many cancer cases, many of which were invasive or multifocal, enabling more timely interventions.
The study findings, published in Nature Medicine, were led by Frederik Strand, MD, PhD, from Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr. Strand and his team highlighted the advantages of supplemental MRI for detecting cancer in dense breast tissue. However, access to this procedure remains limited due to the shortage of qualified MRI personnel, high costs of equipment, and questions about the cost-effectiveness of screening.
The study involved nearly 60, 000 women, with 6. 9% (1, 315 women) scoring the highest according to the AI tool and being randomized. Half of these women received supplemental MRI, while the other half did not. The AI method's results were remarkable: it detected approximately 65 cancers per 1, 000 women, compared to 16. 5 cases detected using traditional density measures. This translates to a positive predictive value of 38% for biopsies recommended by the AI tool.
These results' significance goes beyond detection rates. The majority of detected cancers were invasive, with a median size of 13 mm on pathological analysis, which is smaller than the average sizes of 15. 8 mm and 19. 6 mm for mammography-detected and interval cancers, respectively.
Additionally, the use of the AI tool could potentially make breast MRIs more cost-effective. The researchers also suggested that radiologists review mammograms with particularly high AI scores to further enhance cost-effectiveness.
Moreover, the CDNcare in Ottawa, in collaboration with MedBlu, is currently integrating this service to transform the breast screening and cancer detection process. We offer reliable second opinions based on AI for breast ultrasound and mammography images. The newly developed AI tool provides precise recommendations on which women may require additional screenings and MRI after a negative mammogram and ultrasound.
Our objective as a major diagnostic network is to help patients achieve more accurate results and detect cancer at an early stage, improving the chances of recovery.
At CDN clinics, you can undergo mammography, and our clinics also participate in the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). The Canadian Diagnostic Network is also actively getting MRI licenses to open this service in three of our clinics.
By integrating advanced AI tools into our screening processes, we strive to provide our patients with the highest level of care and support in the battle against breast cancer.