Tuesday, May 21, 2024

ULTRACON 2024- TOP TURNOUT FOR ULTRASOUND INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

For Immediate Release:

DR. ROBERT BARD & ULTRACON 2024: NY RADIOLOGIST DELIVERS RESOUNDING LECTURES ON IMAGING OF INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS TO THE INTERNATIONAL ULTRASOUND STAGE


AUSTIN, TX – April 23, 2024 – UltraCon2024, the ultrasound medicine industry conference hosted by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) in Austin, TX, earlier this month, brought together the who's who in ultrasound medicine technology for a 3‐day event. More than a conference, UltraCon is billed as a "pivotal forum for debate, discovery, and dialogue,” and this year’s event certainly delivered. 

A defining characteristic of UltraCon is the convening of the brightest minds from around the globe who are actively shaping the future of ultrasound medicine. Speakers covered a wide array of topics, from feature‐based reports like the latest uses of 3D Doppler and Elastography, to “tips and tricks” to the complexity of organ‐based scan reviews. 

One such luminary is New York City-based cancer radiologist and internationally published ultrasound researcher Dr. Robert Bard. Elected in 2022 to a 6‐year term on the AIUM Therapeutic Ultrasound Community and became an AIUM fellow in 2022, Dr. Bard was honored to join many of the imaging community's top brands, innovators, and key clinical pioneers in Austin. 


Throughout the week in Austin, Dr. Bard delivered several in‐depth educational presentations on a number of topics, such as "Prostate Elastography," "Microvascular Image Guided Treatment of Arthritis," and an exploratory review of Ultrasound Validation of Pulsed Electromagnetic therapies. 

"It was such a great honor to finally attend one of the largest annual congregations of the finest leaders in imaging science,” said Dr. Bard. “It was invigorating to experience many of their educational presentations in reflection of the continued growth of the ultrasound imaging industry.” 

Dr. Bard also presented his latest research and expanded findings on the power of ultrasound technology on the diagnostics of chronic diseases and musculoskeletal disorders, and as a procedural supporter of image-guided treatments.

"Seeing Dr. Bard deliver his life's work on stage was witnessing legacy in action," says Dr. Lennard Goetze, Executive Director of the Angio Institute. "As a pioneer in the forefront of innovation, he cemented his place in history as one of the influencers of ultrasound advancement and a driver of the next generation."

Click to visit our 2024 UltraCon photo showcase

The AIUM is a multidisciplinary organization established in 1952 designed to advance the art and science of ultrasound in medicine research through educational, scientific, literary, and professional activities. According to Therese Cooper, Director of Accreditation at the AIUM, over 100 master class programs were presented by leading speakers, offering some of the most insightful and expansive reports direct from the field. 

"UltraCon surpassed our expectations in fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas within the ultrasound community," said Dr. Richard Hoppmann, President of the AIUM. "The success of this year's conference was due to the caliber of speakers, exhibitors, and attendees, and underscores the vibrant spirit of innovation that drives our field. We are immensely proud of the collaborative advancements discussed and the groundbreaking technologies unveiled here, all of which promise to enhance patient care and shape the future of medical ultrasound."

Over 875 professionals attended to share and exchange information about the latest advancements in noninvasive imaging and the continuance of sonographic science advancement. Another dimension to the programming of Ultracon includes non‐CME sessions, such as a professional video lesson by Dr. Roberta Kline. Dr. Kline’s digital lecture was on the Benefits of Gene Expression in Assessing the Efficacy of Bioenergetic Interventions. 

“This non‐imaging oriented topic was such a great complement to the entire program… it held the scientific spirit of integrative collaboration – the very spirit that supports clinical imaging in the diagnostic community,” stated UltraCon attendee Dr. Leslie Valle-Montoya.

Walking through the exhibitors’ hall, attendees directly connected with some of the top brands at the forefront of ultrasound innovations including SIEMENS, GE, MINDRAY, CANON, SAMSUNG, and FUJI to name a few. Each booth showcased their latest models and was primed and ready to introduce their unique approach to advancing the ultrasound movement. 

Dr. Bard continued, “This event was so impressively organized and I was very inspired to connect, network, and collaborate with the other attendees. The AIUM designed an event that truly empowered the expansion of the clinical community and the future of the ultrasound technology... the AIUM did it right!"

About the AIUM: The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine is a multidisciplinary medical association of more than 9,000 physicians, sonographers, scientists, students, and other healthcare professionals. Established in the early 1950s, the AIUM is dedicated to empowering and cultivating a global multidisciplinary community engaged in the use of medical ultrasound through raising awareness, education, sharing information, and research.






"ULTRACON 2024- A CONVERGENCE OF DISCIPLINES"
-This year's UltraCon was extra special because it literally happened during a solar eclipse.  The convergence of celestial bodies was a perfect metaphor for the convergence of multiple disciplines across medicine and ultrasound. From radiology and sonography to family medicine, pediatrics and internal medicine, there was so much representation from the primary care specialties within the POCUS community blending with the sonography and radiology communities. Ultracon is unique in that it creates a platform to generate new ideas across specialties and the continuum of care. Together, we get to explore how ultrasound as a technology can interface with the healthcare workflow to improve patient care. The multidisciplinary exchange alongside experts showcasing the advancements in ultrasound such as including artificial intelligence, ultra-portability, and software integration helps fast-track the pathways needed to integrate POCUS into clinical practice.  As a POCUS educator & family physician, UltraCon is the ideal ecosystem for idea exchange and innovation because it links educators, academic researchers, and tech innovators to break free from traditional silos and meaningfully align.  

MENA RAMOS, MD


"A POWERFUL INDUSTRY NETWORK"
UltraCon provided me the opportunity to converse with individuals at every stage of their career. I networked with individuals whom were just entering the ultrasound realm to renowned radiologists. This was very beneficial as an exhibitor, Probo Medical was able to showcase Probo 360; impeccable service, parts, new and refurbished system sales, and probe sales/repair. UltraCon allowed me to gain an understanding of what customers around the world need and providing solutions to each unique situation.  One case in particular warmed my heart, I had the honor to meet a Physician from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital who was searching for a rare pediatric neuro probe to send to a community clinic in Ethiopia. She had plans to meet with the physician from Ethiopia the weekend after the show, time was of the essence. Probo Medical successfully found this probe and it is currently being used to diagnose children across the world.  UltraCon is definitely an event I will attend again, for the connections and stories alone this event is a must. I hope to see everyone in Florida next year! - 
​Keith Gallagher / 
Senior Territory Manager , Probo Medical


Wednesday, May 8, 2024

BARRIE KOLSTEIN: SURVIVING PROSTATE CANCER & CYBERKNIFE


HealthTech Reporter is proud to present our next CAT'S PAJAMAS AWARD WINNER (yes, it's a real award) to Mr. Barrie Kolstein.  The Kolstein family is a highly recognized name in contemporary classical music for their craftsmanship in Violins, Cellos and Bases. Complimentary to his work for Samuel Kolstein & Son, Ltd. and Kolstein Music, Inc. Barrie also became a notable editor and contributor within the world of classical music, publishing numerous technical articles on restoration and appraisals in the International Society of Bassists with a feature article published in The Strad, February 1991. Barrie was also published regularly in the Double Bassist magazine and the Strad magazine, both of London, England, from 1996. These articles have ranged form interviews with makers and performers, technical articles on repair/making, and expert appraisal articles on historic master makers. Barrie also serves as editor of the “Luthier Corner” in the International Society of Bassists magazine restoration and repair forum.


Our editors have had the distinct pleasure of conducting an exclusive interview with Mr. Kolstein about his journey to battle Prostate cancer, his experience-based advocacy about "Getting Checked NOW!" and his earlier experiences with cancer- undergoing his late wife's battle.


Coming soon: THE KOLSTEIN INTERVIEW (HIGHLIGHTS)


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Monday, April 22, 2024

PROGRESSIVE CLINICAL MODALITIES IN ADDRESSING ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

By: Robert L. Bard, MD / Lennard Goetze, Ed.D 
[PDF DOWNLOAD]

While arthritis starts as bone and cartilage degeneration, oftentimes the first reported signs are pain and swelling in the joint area. To clinically detect the root of the disorder, high resolution ultrasound is commonly recommended as an investigative approach as a quick, painless and non-invasive screening solution.[1] Ultrasound also allows us to more easily detect the presence of Synovial fluid in the joint cavities (ie. in the knee or shoulder cuff areas) without having to resort to more complex and costly solutions like MRI or CT scans. [2]

Identifying the location of the fluid helps the physician by conducting a needle intervention under ultrasound guidance preventing accidentally hitting the bone or injuring a blood vessel while sampling the fluid. With the same needle in place, steroids may be injected into the injured area as well- hence, the diagnostic treatment and study can be conducted within the same sitting. [3]

There are essentially two types of arthritis; there's the commonly recognized “bone on bone” OSTEOARTHRITIS which generally causes local symptoms that are mostly due to inflammation of the tendons and lining of the joints. Meanwhile, bone on bone is not usually what triggers the physical pain sensation; it's more likely due to the juxtaposed inflammation within the surrounding musculature. 


The second type of arthritis is inflammatory arthritis, commonly known as RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. It is important to understand that rheumatoid arthritis in a given area (ie. the knee or the hand) is not a localized disease; it is a systemic disease that can affect many parts of the body-- including the spine, the shoulders, the hands, the knees or the feet. In other words, it could inflame almost any joint. While this is painful it may be associated with increased risk of cancer because the body responds to the stress of a diffuse disease creating abnormal cells. [4]

Some are healing cells and some are abnormal cells that can become cancerous. This means there is an increased risk of developing a tumor.  This is indicative with disorders like psoriasis as this affects over 10% of the world's population. More than just a localized skin disease, psoriatic arthritis in the spine may alter the eye and s ER's elbow. There are changes in the, in the blood vessels that can lead to increased risk of stroke  and slightly increased risk of developing malignancy with skin inflammation. This systemic manifestation is the whole body reacting to microvascular abnormalities.

Current pain relieving modalities including medications, heating pads and over the counter topical solutions may offer temporary management to address the inflammatory process and the fluid collection once located. Additionally, non-invasive treatment technologies such as pulsed bioenergy neurostimulation (aka PEMF) and photobiomodulation (PBMT)- or near infrared & cold laser therapies.   Within the past several decades, these modalities and other innovations are part of a growing market of consumer grade non-invasive devices that (now) offer quantitative results of efficacy and restorative care.  Use of advanced ultrasound imaging plays a major role in tracking therapeutic progress and timely recalibration of these devices. [5][6]

Meanwhile, research and development of certain brands are now achieving medical-grade status through regulatory approvals in their restorative (healing) properties and the reduction of inflammation through the increase of vascular inflow leading to cell regeneration. [7]



How to Detect & Manage INFLAMMATION the Non-Invasive Way

Learn about the latest in non-invasive diagnostic imaging modalities and the current breakthroughs in personalized therapies with pulsed bioenergy regenerative science. The AngioFoundation, the Integrative Pain Healers Alliance, the Women's Diagnostic network and all branches of the NY Cancer Resource Society unites under a coalition called "WAR ON INFLAMMATION"- an educational, advocacy and research initiative in pursuit of resources and solutions to offer new informative support against the many chronic disorders of our day.  Additional support comes from the BioEnergy  Therapeutic community and the Paul Dreschnack Research Foundation exploring the many advantages of Extracellular Vesicles.   


ADVANCEMENTS IN ENERGY MEDICINE
By: Roberta Kline, MD

The term "energy medicine" has been in general use since the founding of the International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine in the 1980s.  Energy medicine often proposes that imbalances in the body's "energy field" result in illness, and that by re-balancing the body's energy-field health can be restored. Some modalities are described to "bring balance to the body's overall wellness", while others bring claims of addressing pain, detoxing, cell regeneration or an improvement in overall energy. 

Every living thing requires energy to exist and function, and this comes in different forms. For example, in the human body are “energy generators” called the mitochondria. These tiny powerhouses in our cells convert fat, protein and glucose into (ATP) the energy that fuels everything that is needed for us to be alive. 

When that vibrational frequency or information flow is disrupted, cellular health suffers and the end result can range from minor aches and pains to major illness. But now our knowledge of the energy of the BIOFIELD also provides the opportunity for healing in a much more effective way.  This healing can complement or even replace the need for more invasive conventional therapies. 

(See complete feature on HEALTH & HEALING 101)

LASER MODULATION THERAPY
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is a form of medicine that applies low-power lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to the surface of the body. It is claimed that application of low-power lasers relieves pain or stimulates and enhances cell function. It  addresses the underlying cause of all dysfunction in the body (inflammation & disease) in support of cellular health and wellness.  Red light is recognized for its ability to penetrate deeper into the skin, allowing for better absorption by cells deep in the body. Today's Red Light therapy comes in a variety of models with different capacities- including the full body red light bed (TheraLight) and targeted deep tissue laser therapy systems (Aspen Laser).

PULSED ELECTROMAGNETICS
PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) devices have a wide range of frequencies available.  They can influence cell membrane potentials of many different tissues to enhance communication and increase blood flow, decrease inflammation and activate a number of genes possibly through epigenetics. Pharmacology is also leveraging electromagnetics to explore more effective ways of getting medications into cells. Drug delivery systems are being developed using nanoparticles designed to manipulate cell membrane electromagnetic fields to improve absorption.

In 1979 the FDA approved PEMF therapy for stimulating bone growth, and in 1987 for adjunct therapy for treating postoperative edema and pain. The FDA also approved PEMF therapy for the treatment of patients with depression in 2011. For both animals and humans, PEMF therapy is marketed commercially to address inflammation by stimulating microcirulation, the lymphatic vessels and mobilizing toxins from the cells more efficiently. PEMF therapy is also reported to support restorative health  mechanically by improving blood flow.  (source: AOPP/ Association of PEMF Professionals and AuraWell PEMF)


VISUALIZING THE TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION
The Answers Collected from Ultrasound Imaging


Historically speaking, the most favored (and sensible) way to identify the results of any treatment is by tracking the body's immediate response to it. Controlled testing must show the patient's condition PRE and POST effects, where true data-finding is collecting the necessary EVIDENCE of its claims. The investigator can pull a significant amount of data from this form of validation testing: including stage-by-stage bodily response to future projections of possible side effects.  Modern diagnostic science looks to imaging for its safe, non-invasive yet quantifiable analyses of what’s under the skin. In this latest review, ultrasound offers a flicker-free visual (10-30 frames per second) of muscle contraction.  The “real-time” advantage of video under a 3D Doppler Ultrasound easily and clearly shows the frequency of the muscle bundle’s firing (twitching) indicating fatigue and potential pathology.


REFERENCES

1) The Role of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Continuum- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7305070/   Published online 2020 Jun 19. PMCID: PMC7305070

2) “Progress in imaging in rheumatology” - E Filippucci, L Di Geso, W Grassi | Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2014•nature.com Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2014;10:628–634.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25201383/

3) Role of ultrasound in osteoarthritis:  https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-revista-espanola-reumatologia-29-articulo-role-ultrasound-in-osteoarthritis-13020659#:~:text=During%20the%20course%20of%20the%20intermittent%20episodes%20of%20mild%20to,detecting%20the%20amount%20of%20effusion.

4) “EULAR definition of arthralgia suspicious for progression to rheumatoid arthritis” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27991858/  Ann Rheum Dis . 2017 Mar;76(3):491-496. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209846. Epub 2016 Oct 6.

5) Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Treatment Ameliorates Murine Model of Collagen-Induced Arthritis-  Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan; 24(2): 1137. Published online 2023 Jan 6. doi: 10.3390/ijms24021137 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9862561/#:~:text=PEMF%20treatment%20at%2010%20Hz,17%2C%20or%20TNF%2D%CE%B1.

6) The Mechanisms and Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review PMCID: PMC10531845  PMID: 37762594 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10531845/ Renlong Zhang and Junle Qu*

7) Image guidance and performance testing - R.Bard-  https://angiofoundation.org/research_trials.html Published by: AngioMedical Press. © 2023





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Wednesday, April 17, 2024

THE “cUSBr Patch” WEARABLE ULTRASOUND: MEET THE LATEST ADVANCEMENT IN BREAST CANCER IMAGING

Report / Edited by: Roberta Kline, MD

3/18/2024‐ In a recent review on the latest medical diagnostic innovations in early detection and interventional imaging, MIT NEWS published a review on the development of the wearable breast ultrasound patch. This device is designed to be integrated into a bra for long term use, allowing for more frequent monitoring of patients at high risk for breast cancer from the convenience of their home. Dr. Tolga Ozmen, a breast cancer surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital who is also an author of the study gave us an exclusive interview about the concepts behind this technology and his clinical involvement leading to bringing this groundbreaking diagnostic device to market.

Dr. Tolga Ozmen is a breast surgical oncologist affiliated with Mass General Hospital and is a faculty at Harvard Medical School. He highlights that the inventor of this novel wearable ultrasound device is Dr. Canan Dagdeviren and her team at the MIT Media Lab. Dr. Dagdeviren, known for her distinguished contributions to science, shares a common research interest with Dr. Ozmen which is advancing breast cancer detection and early diagnosis, which has brought their paths together.

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INTERVIEW with Dr. Tolga Ozmen
As the study is still ongoing, I cannot discuss the full details‐ but I can tell you that our preliminary results were very successful. It was published in the Journal of Science Advances. Our wearable ultrasound device showed similar performance measurements as conventional ultrasound device in detecting breast lesions. 

The results of our preliminary study are very compelling. In the next phase of our study, we will be exploring the performance of our device in a larger cohort of patients. Our objective is to confirm a baseline of (at least) the same performance as the conventional models – within a much larger number of patients. And if everything goes as planned, I don't see any reason why we can't hit the market in the next 10 years.

This device will contribute to breast imaging by offering a convenient method to screen women with dense breast tissue or women with high breast cancer risk. Our device is a wearable bra- shaped automated device that the patient will put on herself. The patient can do this easily and take this device home for their convenience. The images will be taken by the ultrasound patches placed on the cup‐shaped conformable device, and the data will be sent to a central unit via wifi.

Source: MIT News
Deep learning based algorithms will generate the interpretation of these images and if any concerning findings are detected, it will alert us and the patient will be recalled to a radiology unit or a breast health center for additional imaging or an additional physical exam. For this reason it has the potential to be used as the first step for screening in patient with high risk or dense breast tissue. Today's breast cancer treatment is becoming more personalized as a result of increased knowledge. We can now tailor treatments to patient demographics ( i.e. race, age) and tumor characteristics. With accumulating knowledge, we can now also extend personalized approaches to screening strategies including modalities and frequency intervals based on each woman's breast cancer risk. 

The current standard in breast cancer screening for average risk women includes yearly breast exams and mammograms starting at age 40. This is an effective screening method for decreasing breast cancer mortality in average risk population, backed by numerous published research studies. But we also know that mammography has been shown to be inferior to other imaging modalities in certain cases, including women with dense breast tissue. In the presence of moderate or extreme density of breast tissue, the sensitivity of mammogram decreases significantly, reducing the ability to detect breast cancer. In these women, supplemental imaging modalities in addition to mammography are often indicated.

In some cases, there are findings on the screening that require close follow up. Especially if these women are already identified as being at higher risk, they would benefit from follow up in 3-6 months rather than the standard one year. 

I think our device is the perfect solution for these and other similar scenarios because it makes the follow-up surveillance much easier for the patient and the physician. Another benefit is that our device uses an ultrasound technology which is ideal for reading dense breast tissue. Ultrasound is very efficient and is highly sensitive for detecting abnormalities in dense breast tissue, and this is especially relevant for younger patients at high risk due i.e., inherited genetic mutation, etc.. These women can be screened with this device more frequently, and this device makes it easier because they can take it home and wear it regularly rather than having to take time to go to frequent imaging appointments. This paradigm has the potential to greatly improve accessibility and increase compliance with breast cancer screening. 

We potentially see patients wearing this device as often as every couple of months, enabling us to detect changes early. There are often scenarios where screening mammography and/or ultrasound may show abnormalities that aren’t concerning enough to warrant biopsy but do benefit from close follow-up. Often the patient is requested to come back in 3-6 months. Wearing this device between mammogram visits could offer new data in the form of significant changes in the size or characteristics of that abnormality. Any new images can be generated and reviewed at the central unit, and compared with previous imaging. This interventional imaging allows us to watch the changes on a particular mass or lesion more closely and intervene sooner than their regular screening schedule when warranted.


INTEGRATING WEARABLE BREAST SCANNER WITH CURRENT IMAGING SCHEDULES
I envision that insurance companies, hospitals, or imaging centers would carry our device and lend it to patients who need frequent follow-ups. If the patient has increased risk or has suspicious lesions as I described, our device may be helpful in detecting any changes or abnormalities much earlier, and then these patients can be invited back to the hospital or breast imaging center for further workup. There is also a great benefit to the patient who feels less stressed knowing that she is receiving close attention, rather than worrying until her next scheduled imaging appointment.

AFFECTING PERSONALIZED TREATMENT WITH EARLY DETECTION
I want to emphasize that every woman has different rate of risk for breast cancer. This is why it is important to personalize each woman’s screening strategy. For average risk women, starting mammograms at age 40 is the standard recommendation, but we know that doesn’t fit many women who are at higher risk and may not even know it. We also recommend that women increase their awareness of breast cancer starting at a younger age, including knowing thE signs of breast cancer and how to do their own breast exams. It’s also important that if they have any concerning findings, symptoms, or signs, they also need to know to approach their primary care physician, gynecologist or a surgeon for an exam and to discuss their concerns and feel that they are taken seriously.

Breast cancer screening itself doesn't only include mammograms or other imaging. It also includes a patient's self‐awareness, and we recommend women start doing self breast exams by the age 20‐25 and knowing the signs, symptoms, and risk factors that increase (and decrease) breast cancer risk. This expansion of what is considered part of breast cancer screening is very important, and is why we're trying to do as much as we can in order to increase awareness.

Assessing a woman’s risk enables us to further personalize her strategies and screening schedule. High risk patients may have inherited gene mutations, a family history, or both. For these women we typically start screening them with a mammogram or MRI 10 years younger than the first family member with breast cancer. For younger women that start at age 20‐25, we typically will screen with an MRI until after age 30, when we may add mammography as per recommended guidelines.

Reference & Image Sources: https://news.mit.edu/2023/wearable‐ultrasound‐scanner‐breast‐cancer‐0728 





A TRUE GAME-CHANGER IN BREAST TREATMENT MONITORING
"As Breast cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer death in women, the battle continues and one of our best weapons in this fight is the innovative use of technology. Screening and diagnostic protocols are a major part of imaging but so is image guidance and monitoring.  This technology offers significant promise in the tracking and treatment support on a logistical level.  The idea of a wearable imaging monitor gives both the patient and the physician better data as to treatment progress and/or potential malignancy.  It uses remote/wifi technology in the best way- by connecting the patient directly to the central monitoring specialist in real-time, eliminating any delays and appointment waiting." - Dr. Robert L. Bard -breast cancer radiologist, NYC





A major concern is the presence of breast cancer in underserved communities, including those TOO YOUNG FOR A MAMMOGRAM.  Whereby the medical community touts the recommended (and legal/billable status) of getting a mammo scan should be between 40-50, what happens to the many women who do not fit this age criteria?  How would they even know to get checked without the support of their clinicians or an alarm from family history? Decades into the battle against breast cancer, clinicians and the public are much more educated about EARLY DETECTION, PREVENTION and the current protocols and modalities available to save lives.  Recent headlines on DENSE BREAST and the advancements in ULTRASOUND SCANNING supports a major part of this battle. SEE COMPLETE FEATURE






2022 REVIEW ON WOMEN'S EARLY DETECTION STANDARDS 
Excerpt from the 2021 NYCRA Dense Breast Diagnostic Conference By: Dr. Roberta Kline

Breast cancer is still one of the most common cancers in women, and the leading cause of cancer mortality. While mammography is considered the standard imaging for early detection, it falls short for many – including those with dense breasts. Approximately 40% of women have dense breasts, which we now know is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. On top of this increased risk, mammogram is less sensitive for early detection – up to 50% less for women with the highest breast density. [1] As a result many women are not diagnosed until they have a much later stage cancer – and a worse prognosis. [2]

The State of Connecticut passed legislation requiring notification of breast density in 2009, after having passed legislation requiring insurance coverage for ultrasound for dense breasts in 2005. As an ObGyn physician practicing in CT at the time, I remember the discussions with colleagues and patients around this issue although at the time there were no formal efforts to raise awareness or update guidelines from our national specialty organization, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). 


PERSPECTIVE: PERSONAL FINDINGS BY A CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL
I was fortunate to have benefited personally from this effort when I had my first screening mammogram shortly after the law went into effect. The reading radiologist personally informed me of my high breast density immediately after the mammogram, and after recommending a breast ultrasound for further evaluation this was done right then and there. I walked away from my appointment feeling well informed, and any potential anxiety relieved by the prompt additional imaging and results. I also knew that I needed a different approach for my screenings going forward.

Between 2009 and 2019, 37 other states and D.C. passed legislation requiring notification of breast density, one of the last being my new home state of New Mexico. In 2019 a federal law was passed to require both clinician and patient reports contain plain language around the woman’s breast density, and to discuss with her provider. The FDA then created standard language that has now been implemented, requiring reporting on a woman’s individual breast density, and recommendation to discuss with her provider.

There is still much to be learned about what causes dense breasts and why women with dense breasts have an increased risk of breast cancer, and our ongoing study is one of many that are seeking to answer these questions at the molecular and genetic level. But the evidence that supplementing mammograms with other imaging modalities can increase the rate of early detection is substantial, and provides us with tools we can use right now to make a difference. [3,4]  Despite this progress, there are still significant hurdles in changing the standard of care. A recent experience with my routine breast cancer screening highlighted the ongoing challenges. When I had asked to schedule an ultrasound with my screening mammogram, I was informed that it was not done this way – I could only get a mammogram. After my mammogram, I had to wait to receive my letter in the mail approximately one week later to be able to take any additional steps. The interpretation included a description of breast density and recommended to discuss any additional care with my physician. 


See 2022 Dense Breast Ultrasound Study
When I called to schedule an ultrasound, I was told that since the radiologist did not recommend it in the report, I could not schedule it. I then had to speak with my primary care provider, educating her on dense breasts and why I needed an ultrasound. Luckily, she agreed to order one. While the radiology facility still questioned the order, eventually I was able to have this done. When the radiologist came in to discuss my results, she too was confused as to why I was having the ultrasound, and was not aware that this should be standard for women with dense breasts.

Fortunately all was fine, but had I not been a physician that was fully aware of this issue, I would very likely have had only a mammogram and walked away with a dangerously false sense of security. This experience highlighted for me how much still needed to be done more than 20 years after my first experience. Legislation is only part of the solution. Clinician education and public awareness are the keys to changing how the intention behind these laws gets translated into actual change in health care.

As I experienced, many clinicians are ill-informed about the nature of dense breasts, and options for adjunctive screening including ultrasound or MRI. This means that many of these reports end up being filed away with no further action being taken that could make a significant difference in early detection and saving lives.

EPILOGUE: CURRENT STANDARDS VS NEEDS
ACOG still officially does not recommend any further imaging for women with dense breasts on mammogram, despite the significant body of evidence suggesting that mammogram alone is insufficient and adjunctive imaging with ultrasound or MRI increases rate of early detection. [5] The U.S. Preventive Task Force [6]  does not recommend routine adjunctive imaging for screening women with dense breasts. This leaves many healthcare practitioners, from ObGyns to other primary care providers, unprepared to discuss this with their patients or provide sound recommendations.

The American College of Radiologists, who also publishes the BIRADS standards for breast cancer screening, acknowledges awareness of breast density detection issues with mammography but stops short of recommending routine adjunctive imaging. Instead, they list ultrasound and MRI as “may be appropriate”. [7] We have enough evidence to know how to better serve women with dense breasts, and we can do better. Now we need to push for better education of all primary health care providers, including ObGyns, and continue to raise awareness for women around current knowledge and best practices. 




2024 CLINICAL PROFILE OF THE DENSE BREAST PARADIGM - for the Obstetrics & Gynecology Society 
Written by: Roberta Kline, MD
Published by ICRS Medical Press Ltd.

Breast cancer affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of women every year and is a leading cause of death.  While we have made great progress in advancing earlier diagnosis and more individualized treatments, we still need to improve our approach to achieve our ultimate goal - prevention. This requires a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms and the multitude of factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer.  

Dr. Roberta Kline, recognized speaker and publishing crusader for women's health brings you a comprehensive review and a deep-dive analysis of the current research  findings about breast density and its major risk factors for breast cancer.  Her reports uncover current imaging practices and clinical protocols updated in great support of breast density detection and the means of addressing this growing condition that affects over 45% of the female population. "Knowing a woman has greater breast density is a critical first step, but it doesn’t end there... we need to go further by understanding the causes of breast density, and how they relate to breast cancer-- we now have another avenue to proactively intervene to reduce risk or even prevent breast cancer in the first place."  This textbook is a champion in targeting the Dense Breast Paradigm as a blueprint and a clear course study for all clinical professionals who are dedicated to women's early detection and prevention programs. (More information)

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