MetaMammography: Molecular Function Enhanced Mammography

70395 By combining high detection rate with 98% sensitivity, relative low cost, safety, and widespread availability, x-ray mammography (XMM) has remained the mainstay of early breast cancer detection. However, this technique has several limitations, particularly its low positive predictive value (20-50%). During the past decade, numerous studies have shown that scintimammography (SMM), when used in conjunction with XMM, can significantly reduce the false-positive rate. Because SMM has specificities and positive predictive values of 80-100%, a system that combines XMM (higher sensitivity) and SMM (higher specificity) should have great value; yet no fused XMM/SMM systems exist. This project will develop a combined scintimammography (SMM) x-ray mammography (XMM) imaging system utilizing a dedicated breast gamma camera, a digital x-ray detector, and specialized camera bucky. The system will provide fused SMM and XMM mammogram images that show microanatomy in gray scale overlayed with a functional image portrayed using pseudocolor. Phase I will develop a gamma camera/breast positioning platform that will accommodate both the XMM and SMM detectors. An existing high resolution and sensitivity dedicated breast gamma camera will be integrated with a high-resolution commercially available digital x-ray detector. Co-registration techniques, fiducial markers, and image fusion software will be developed. Finally, phantom studies will be performed to demonstrate that the XMM and SMM components can be detected and co-registered. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new mammography system should address the need for improved breast cancer screening and diagnosis. The market is extremely large with over 10,000 certified mammography facilities in the United States.