AI Could Potentially Identify Breast Cancer Metastasis Without Need for Biopsy

New AI Technology Can Detect Spread of Breast Cancer Without Biopsies

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) can now help detect breast cancer that is spreading to other parts of the body without the need for invasive biopsies. The AI technology analyzes MRI scans to identify the presence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes under the arms, a crucial step in determining the spread of the disease.

Lead researcher Dr. Basak Dogan, director of breast imaging research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, explained that most breast cancer deaths occur when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, with the armpit lymph nodes being a common site for initial spread. Traditional imaging techniques often lack the sensitivity needed to effectively detect cancer cells in the lymph nodes, making accurate diagnosis challenging.

The study found that the AI technology could help avoid 51% of unnecessary surgical biopsies while correctly identifying 95% of patients whose breast cancer had spread. By training the AI on MRI scans from 350 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with known lymph node involvement, researchers were able to demonstrate the superior performance of the AI compared to human doctors using MRI or ultrasound.

This new AI technology represents a significant advancement in the field of breast cancer detection and treatment. By reducing the need for invasive biopsies and improving the accuracy of diagnosis, the AI has the potential to enhance clinical outcomes and reduce risks for patients. The findings of the study were recently published in the journal Radiology: Imaging Cancer, marking a major milestone in the fight against breast cancer.