Artificial intelligence software aids Dresden Radiology in detecting breast cancer at an early stage
The University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden has taken a significant step forward in the field of radiology, as it began using the AI-based software "Transpara" for mammography in November 2023. This innovative technology, provided by the technology company ScreenPoint Medical, is set to revolutionise breast cancer diagnostics.
Prof. Ralf-Thorsten Hoffmann, head of the Institute and Policlinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, expresses that "Transpara" serves as a 'second pair of eyes' for radiologists, enhancing reading accuracy in mammography. This added layer of precision is expected to provide additional security and eventually become the standard in diagnostics.
Prof. Michael Albrecht, Medical Director of the University Hospital, shares Prof. Hoffmann's optimism, believing the AI examination will offer enhanced security in diagnostics. He envisions this technology becoming the norm in the near future.
The University Hospital aims to further evaluate the application of AI-based software "Transpara" in practice over the coming years. The hope is that the advancement of AI will lead to a reduction in the number of breast cancer cases in Germany, making early and accurate diagnosis more accessible.
It's important to note that the AI software "Transpara" is not a standalone solution. The expertise of radiologists remains central to treatment success. Future iterations of the AI software will give more attention to the different breast densities of women, ensuring a more tailored approach to diagnostics.
One significant advantage of the AI software is its ability to reliably detect small nodes and calcifications, often precursors of cancerous disease. "Transpara" also compares images with a database of over five million pictures for faster diagnosis, saving time and personnel resources in the radiology department.
Breast cancer, also known as mammary carcinoma, is the most common malignant tumour in women in Germany. One in eight women in Germany is affected by breast cancer during her lifetime, with approximately 70,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Earlier diagnosis with the AI software "Transpara" can increase survival chances for breast cancer patients.
The focus on early detection and accurate diagnosis is crucial in improving survival chances for breast cancer patients. The development of artificial intelligence is hoped to lead to faster and more reliable breast cancer detection, ultimately reducing the number of false diagnoses. The University Hospital Dresden is the first facility in the Dresden region to use AI-based software in this manner for mammography, paving the way for a new era in breast cancer diagnostics.
