Key points from article :
A new technique of detecting breast cancer, which could enable tumours to be identified at an earlier stage, has entered UK trials.
Multiparametric MRI was originally developed to evaluate liver diseases, and is already used across Europe and the US.
It uses strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to excite particles called protons in the tissue.
By combining images created by different MR pulses and sequences, it enables to create a detailed map.
“...able to spot not only tumours in dense breasts, but potentially tumours which aren’t seen on mammograms,” - Sally Collins, Medical lead at Perspectum.
“We’re also trying to improve the patient experience of being scanned,” - Collins.
Perspectum has ethical approval to recruit 1,030 women to the trial.
Trial is expected to take about two years to complete.
“We hope it will improve the diagnostic pathway for women with dense breasts or premenopausal women who are at very high risk of breast cancer, negating the need for multiple tests,” - Collins.
