Single photon detection for ultra-low dose Molecular Breast Imaging

Breast screening was introduced in the UK almost 30 years ago and relies principally on x-ray mammography. This technique is effective where there is a significant difference in the density of a cancer tumor and the surrounding breast tissue. Around a third of women have denser breast tissue, such that mammography is unable to clearly image tumors, resulting in undiagnosed cancers. The age for breast screening is gradually extending from 50-70 to 47-73\. As there is a higher prevalence of dense breasts in younger women, the current provision of mammography even less satisfactory.

Kromek has identified that earlier diagnosis of breast cancers is possible with an addition of a nuclear imaging technology, Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), as a primary screening tool for women with dense breast tissue. MBI is a technique whereby a radioactive tracer is used to identify a tumor that is then imaged by a specialist camera. The tracer is concentrated to a much greater extent in malignant breast tissue compared to normal tissue, therefore the malignant tissue shows up as a bright area on the image. MBI currently has the disadvantage of requiring a higher radiation dose than received with a mammogram and longer measurement time.

Since 2018, Kromek has been engaged with UCL and NUTH in developing a quantum technology for a faster and safer MBI system addressing these shortcomings and facilitating a change in the screening pathways. Kromek has developed a proprietary MBI camera design based on a new generation of single photon CZT detectors and a conceptually new type of collimator. Combined with novel 3D image reconstruction methods, the new camera will allow uncovering spatial information about tumours and their structure. That information will help to significantly increase chances for early cancer detection and improve cancer staging process required for precise diagnostics and successful treatment prescription.

The project will contribute towards the commercialisation of the low-dose quantum technology by proving the feasibility of he single-photon detection methodology for MBI.