Universities develop 3D X-rays to target breast cancer

Over the next four years, Kromek will be working with Massachusetts University Medical School to commercialise a system that will provide earlier and more accurate diagnosis of breast cancer.

Currently, X-ray mammography is the most popular method of breast screening. One of its limitations, however, is that it represents 3D information on a 2D plane making varied tissue structures difficult to distinguish.

According to a report published last year in Denmark, one in three breast cancer cases diagnosed by mammography can be harmless and lead to women needlessly undergoing invasive treatment.

By using X-ray animation technology developed for baggage screening applications, Kromek’s system can construct an image that consists of 3D spatial information and multi-spectral detail.

‘The real benefits these detectors bring are the possibility of reducing the dosage the patient receives and enhancing the contrast in imaging,’ said chief executive, Arnab Basu. ‘It will allow better differentiation of various tissue structures and provide material-specific information within these structures.’