Conventional breast imaging modalities, such as mammography, face tremendous challenges when imaging dense breast tissue, which puts women with dense breasts – nearly half the female population – at an immediate disadvantage. This is because cancer can appear similar to regular breast tissue and if there is a lot of breast tissue (such as in the case of dense breasts), the cancer can ‘hide’. Now, a new technology with the ability to image through dense breasts calculates the fibroglandular volume (FGV) of the breast and the ratio of FGV to total breast volume (TGV). This ratio can contribute to an assessment of risk for breast cancer and changes in this ratio can be used to measure the efficacy of medication used to treat or prevent breast cancer.

Unlike traditional breast imaging modalities, the QTscan from QT Imaging, Inc. (Novato, CA, USA) does not require radiation, injection, or compression, and is highly accurate (+ 0.2%), allowing earlier and more frequent monitoring for women undergoing non-surgical breast cancer treatments such as adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, and hormone or selective hormone receptor modulation treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted QT Imaging 510(K) clearance to calculate the FGV of the breast and the ratio of FGV to TGV. No other ultrasound-based breast imaging modality is cleared by the FDA to quantify fibroglandular volume.

The proposed indications for use, as designated by the FDA as breakthrough, are:

"The QT Scanner 2000 Model A is for use as an ultrasonic imaging system to provide reflection-mode and transmission-mode images of a patient's breast. The QT Scanner 2000 Model A software also calculates the breast fibroglandular tissue volume (FGV) value and the ratio of FGV to total breast volume (TBV) value as determined from reflection-mode and transmission-mode ultrasound images of a patient's breast. The device is not intended to be used as a replacement for screening mammography."

"The ability to determine a therapeutic clinical response using a quantitative volumetric method is crucial for effective and timely treatment of breast cancer and for patients at high risk for developing breast cancer who are receiving hormonal therapy. The FGV tool will allow this assessment to be made early and in follow-up to maximize treatment benefit, which is an exciting development for breast care patients," said Dr. Elaine Iuanow, a Breast Imaging specialist and medical consultant for QT Imaging.

"We are excited to expand the tools available using low frequency transmitted ultrasound volography to serve women, especially those with dense breasts, providing an imaging option that is safe, comfortable, and effective," said Dr. John Klock, CEO, Chief Medical Officer and Founder of QT Imaging, Inc. 

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