Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and the University of California, San Francisco, confirmed that pairing artificial intelligence (AI) imaging and volumetric breast density algorithms can assist in predicting long-term risk of breast cancer, in particular invasive disease.
AI from ScreenPoint Medical and Volpara Health were used to predict long-term breast cancer risk. The study, “Impact of Artificial Intelligence System and Volumetric Density on Risk Prediction of Interval, Screen-Detected, and Advanced Breast Cancer,” was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The study was designed to determine if an AI algorithm could contribute to long-term risk prediction for advanced and interval cancers. Researchers used images from 2,412 women with invasive breast cancer and 4,995 matched controls who had digital mammograms performed 2-5.5 years before cancer diagnosis. The performance of conventional assessment measures (traditional radiologist interpretation and BI-RADS density categories) were compared to the ability of newer AI-powered techniques (precise volumetric density measures and image-based malignancy risk scores) for long-term risk prediction of advanced and interval cancers.
AI Breast Cancer Risk Research Findings
According to results from the study, Transpara AI score improves long-term risk prediction when combined with clinical risk factors including breast density for overall invasive cancers, screen-detected, advanced, and nonadvanced cancers. For interval cancers, the TruDensity measures remained of greatest importance for discrimination, even years before the cancer.
AI Software Used in Study
The Transpara Exam Score is an image-based risk tool that categorizes exams using a 10-point scale and is used for concurrent reading of mammograms. The higher the score, the higher the risk of cancer in the mammogram. Clinical research conducted with Transpara shows that scores between 1 – 7 (Low Risk) have a 99.97% negative predictive value. The Volpara TruDensity AI algorithm uses a combination of x-ray physics and machine learning to generate an accurate volumetric measure of breast composition to eliminate variability that can arise from human interpretation.
“While we have known for decades that density and breast cancer risk are correlated, recent research has really pushed forward our ability to better understand the effects of density combined with image-based risk to drive personalized medicine for women,” says Professor Nico Karssemeijer, PhD, chief scientific officer at Screenpoint Medical, and faculty member at Radboud University.
Used by leading centers globally, Transpara has been used to analyze more than 4 million mammograms. Research shows that up to 45% of interval cancers can be found earlier using Transpara, while helping to reduce workload and optimize workflow.
“Breast density is a critical factor in assessing breast cancer risk, and an objective, volumetric measurement of density is pivotal. Through the power of AI, we can uncover valuable insights that help clinicians identify individuals at risk for cancer and tailor personalized screening and prevention strategies,” says Ralph Highnam, PhD, chief science and innovation officer, Volpara Health.
Volpara’s software is used to assess breast density for more than 6 million women annually. TruDensity is proven to reduce reader variability. Radiologists agree with Volpara’s assessment of non-dense (a or b) or dense (c or d) 96% of the time.
“Early identification of image-based risk can give a more effective screening and care pathway for high-risk women. This approach should not only save lives but enable women to experience the least disruption in their lives when care is required,” adds Karssemeijer. “Screening today requires this type of focused, personalized approach. We hope that the work we are doing empowers women and their providers to deliver the right care in the right way at the right times.”
