Emerging technologies in breast cancer screening and diagnosis

Abstract

The role and science of imaging for breast cancer screening and diagnosis are in a state of constant change. Technical advancements, including iterative improvements to preexisting modalities and the development of novel imaging methods, are the underpinning of many of these advances. The expanding body of literature further defines both the applications and limitations of new and established breast imaging technology and informs changes in the role of imaging in the management of breast cancer. Increasingly personalized breast cancer treatment options have increased demand for personalized screening protocols risk analysis for specific patients and populations. These advances are not independent of each other, and they may be considered in four major categories. The first is supplemental screening, to address limitations of traditional mammography, including breast density. The second is personalized risk-based screening and recognizing that different populations require different screening regimens. The third is functional imaging and particularly the ongoing development of applications for intravascular iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast agents to identify high-risk tissue histology. Finally, breast imaging remains at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) research and related technologies.