How we’re fighting breast cancer with innovation and learning
Dr Anna Russo, Radiologist at the L'IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Italy
Working as a radiologist at a hospital in Negrar in Northern Italy which lists advanced radiotherapy as one of its specialties, education and training for others were always going to be a large part of my role. In collaboration with Fujifilm, I have been delivering workshops for more advanced areas of mammography for around ten years now – since the advent of tomosynthesis in 2014. We started off working at congresses such as the Radiological Society of North American (RSNA) in Chicago – the biggest gathering of radiologists in the world. Over the years we have expanded our offering, from workshops on tomosynthesis through to others on tomosynthesis-guided biopsy, then contrast-enhanced digital mammography.
?
I delivered three workshops at this year’s European Congress of Radiology (ECR):
?
·?????? Tomosynthesis guided biopsy: a new era in interventional mammography;
·?????? Contrast-enhanced digital mammography: An overall review with a spotlight on microcalcifications; and
·?????? Differentiating digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) implementation in assessment mammography.
?
Tomosynthesis or “3D” mammography, as it is sometimes called, is a relatively new type of digital x-ray mammogram which creates 2D and 3D-like pictures of the breasts.[i] The advantage is that it enables us to detect early breast cancers more easily.
?
This could not be more important. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women in Europe, accounting for 1 in 4 annual cancer cases.[1] Through improved medical imaging, we can ensure that women can have the confidence in their diagnosis that they deserve. So, I have continued to deliver education and training in this fast-moving area of technological development, to enable other colleagues to be able to make the most of new techniques.
?
These training sessions can take on different forms; sometimes it might be a clinical presentation, where we present results of studies or new data. This allows us to discuss new findings in relation to clinical practice, and we talk directly with other colleagues so they can see the images. We also do ‘hands-on’ workshops where we can show how to use new technologies, and the full possibilities in terms of how they can be used in our clinical practice for those who may be a little familiar with new technology, but not fully upskilled.
?
Training is one of the most interesting parts of my working life. Day to day I’m working in breast imaging – I’m in hospital most days using these techniques. But I enjoy going to events such as ECR because while I can teach others, I too am able to learn from other colleagues. I can learn other ways of working and approaches from colleagues across Europe and the wider world – in Italy, Europe, USA, Japan.
?
领英推荐
Development is crucial for our job in radiology. In mammography in particular, accuracy is essential for making a very precise diagnosis of breast cancer, so sharing knowledge is vital. It’s wonderful that the senology department of the IRCCS hospital where I work has the latest technology for diagnosis. But that is only part of the picture. We also need to give patients and other colleagues such as oncologists and surgeons all the characteristics for the disease. Understanding the type of disease can help us to determine the best treatment. As part of my job, I work with others to determine all the details of the pathology.
?
Twenty years ago, surgeons had to make decisions counting on less support from imaging, from staging the cancer to deciding the best treatment. Today we can use breast MRI and contrast mammography to better design and tailor surgical approach and cancer treatment. Technology allows us to do this better.
?
Contrast-enhanced mammography is a new form of breast imaging – starting only 10 years ago – and it involves using an injectable contrast media with low dose x-rays to increase detection of lesions in the breast. It is more widely available today and avoids having to share MRI equipment with other departments, you can use it in your own mammography suite. Also, the added advantage for patients is they don’t have to deal with a claustrophobic MRI machine.
?
In terms of new innovations, I welcome them as I like to move forward. From the very early days of tomosynthesis, I have learned how to apply tomosynthesis with Fujifilm. In the last year I have enjoyed using contrast mammography in our hospital too, and I continue to be involved in clinical studies for the next development.
?
Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a part of that future; it can be very useful because it improves the quality of images and it can be effective in helping to focus in on very small lesions and macrocalcifications. But it can be challenging for people to begin using AI, so learning is important. There are lots of different types of AI in breast imaging, and we have to use the right AI for whatever system we’re using. No doubt, AI will be used more in mammography, but it will work in harmony with the human, rather than replacing clinical judgement. Clinical education, like clinical practice, thrives when they complement each other and work together.
?
?
[1] Europa Donna, Breast Cancer Facts, Incidence https://www.europadonna.org/breast-cancer/#:~:text=Incidence,was%20estimated%20to%20be%20355%2C500*.
?
? 2024 FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe GmbH