Molecular breast imaging suite performs dual head imaging at low dose

Gamma Medica-Ideas (GMI) has signed an exclusive license and commercialisation agreement with Mayo Clinic (Mayo) to further develop and commercialise a suite of technologies invented by Mayo.

The company aims to utilise the licensed technology in conjunction with its Lumagem molecular breast imaging system to improve the diagnosis of cancers in women with dense breasts. An estimated 30% of women have dense breast tissue, which can impede diagnosis of abnormalities. GMI claims that existing mammography and other screening techniques are at times either insufficient or very expensive diagnostic tools. Molecular breast imaging promises to be a cost-effective solution for these women.

The company said that the suite of technologies invented by Mayo enhances the existing capabilities of GMI’s LumaGEM dual headed imaging system, through special image processing software algorithms and collimator and detector optimization techniques.

The license also includes methods and devices developed at Mayo for combining next generation x-ray tomosynthesis techniques with molecular imaging of the breast. In initial clinical studies, the Mayo algorithms licensed to GMI yield better images at lower dose, said the company.

Dr. Bradley Patt, CEO of GMI, said: “We are extremely pleased that Dr. O’Connor and his team at Mayo have chosen GMI to bring their important technology to market. This is very timely given the release of the US Preventative Task Force report on mammography.

“The underlying reason for the controversy in mammography is the fact that mammography has underserved groups of women such as the 40-50 year old age group, where higher breast density has rendered mammography much less effective.

“GMI’s LumaGEM system, now enhanced with Mayo’s technologies, will be a highly effective solution for such cases. The Mayo technologies, which have been under development and evaluation for the last 7 years, enable this procedure to be performed at a radiation dose comparable to a mammogram.”