Hologic and Bayer partner to expand breast cancer detection

The two companies are working together on contrast-enhanced mammography

According to the World Health Organization, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths globally in 2020. As with most cancers, early detection is key: when breast cancer is the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

An increasingly popular type of mammogram is contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), which uses a low dose of X-rays and iodinated contrast dye to image the breasts, and this week Hologic and Bayer announced an international partnership this week to deliver CEM solutions, with the goal of improving the detection of breast cancer for women in multiple countries across the European, Canadian and Asia Pacific regions.

CEM has been shown to be accurate in determining tumor size compared to the gold standard of pathology, in addition to being more precise than traditional mammography and ultrasound. Not only that but these types of screenings can also be performed as part of an everyday clinical practice and used in various clinical settings, making them more accessible.  

Hologic is the inventor of the world’s first commercial 3D mammography system to find breast cancer earlier; its technology also tests for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and respiratory illnesses, as well as minimally invasive surgical technologies for uterine fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding and pediatric procedures. 

The partnership combines technology from the two companies to enable the administration of contrast media during a mammography examination: Hologic's mammography gantries and Bayer's CEM-approved injection systems.

Together, Bayer and Hologic will support radiologists and their teams by providing them with a product package, as well as hands-on training so they can effectively implement CEM into their facility’s workflow.

“Breast cancer is the world’s most prevalent cancer, impacting millions of women and their loved ones around the globe,” Gerd Krueger, President of Radiology at Bayer, said in a statement.

“Accurate and timely detection is crucial to improve patient outcomes and save patients’ lives. We are excited to join forces with Hologic to deliver a comprehensive solution to our customers and increase access to an emerging breast imaging modality that can help improve diagnostic accuracy as well as provide an alternative imaging option for many women who need it.”

(Image source: breastimagingvictoria.com.au)