Feature | Breast Imaging | July 10, 2023 | By Christine Book

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Market Trends and Outlook

ITN is pleased to introduce its newest comparison chart on Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, which can be found here.

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), or 3-D mammography, is an advanced mammography that uses low-dose X-rays to detect cancer early when it is most treatable. The digital breast tomosynthesis equipment market is segmented by product type (2-D/3-D combination mammography systems, standalone 3-D mammography systems) and end-users (hospitals, diagnostic centers and other end-users).

The digital breast tomosynthesis equipment market is expected to register a CAGR of 13.5% over the 2023-2030 forecast period, according to a 2023 Mordor Intelligence Industry Report. The market analysis also reported that the fast-growing 2-D/3-D combination mammography systems segment is expected to witness significant growth in that time. The report cited high detection rates, the increasing prevalence of breast cancer, as well as updated screening guidelines as key to the market’s strength. North America is expected to hold a major market share, due to high demand for both advanced diagnostic products, and for early and effective diagnosis.

Technological advancements in the field of breast imaging, the rising awareness about the use of digital breast tomosynthesis and understanding of 2-D/3-D systems continue to drive global growth, reported Mordor Intelligence. Vendors are rising to meet the demands of radiologists and their patients in providing innovative, impactful tools, as reflected in this summary of market leaders.

Fujifilm Healthcare Americas offers its ASPIRE Cristalle for enhanced clinical efficacy compared to using full field digital mammography (FFDM) alone. Its key feature is a patented Comfort Paddle that allows pressure to be more evenly and gently distributed across the breast compared to conventional paddles. Additionally, a flexible, slotted 4-way tilting paddle edge design provides more gradual and even compression, allowing the plate to flex to the contour of the breast, bending from the center to its thinner edges. Combined with the Intelligent Automatic Exposure Control (iAEC) image processing, it provides more optimized images at low dose for every breast type, including implants. Made available in two sizes to accommodate different breast sizes, the system’s one-shot phantom decreases time of quality control to approximately 15 minutes for 2-D and 3-D.

The 3Dimensions Mammography System from Hologic was developed to offer better and faster visibility with 3-D images, more comfort, greater efficiency and enhanced workflow for radiologists. The company reports its new 3Dimensions mammography system matches the unrivaled performance of its Genius 3D Mammography exam, and is more accurate than conventional 2-D mammograms, detecting 20%-65% more invasive breast cancers. It received EUREF Type Test Certification in November, 2022, the first DBT system to receive such a distinction, and one of only nine mammography systems overall to do so.

Siemens Healthineers’ EMPIRE technology is approved as a 3-D only exam; it also includes Insight 2D and 3D, reportedly the industry’s first synthetic software-generated visualization of tomosynthesis volumes in both 2-D and 3-D. Insight 2D is the only synthetic mammogram with a 50-degree scan angle and a high definition breast tomosynthesis. It allows breast imagers to obtain a 2-D image from the EMPIRE 3D image set, providing a navigational support tool to their 3-D only exams without subjecting patients to added dose. Insight 3D display is reported to add new depth to breast anatomy visualization, with a more comprehensive understanding of findings and sensitivity for microcalcifications. The company notes its high definition breast tomosynthesis is the world’s first tomosynthesis to incorporate the patented Enhanced Multiple Parameter Iterative REconstruction (EMPIRE) technology, a combination of iterative and machine learning algorithms to reconstruct images with clarity in contrast and detail. Additional features include reduction of noise and artifacts, and improvements in subcutaneous tissue and skin line visualization.

From Konica Minolta, Exa Mammo enables anywhere mammography reading with a zero-footprint viewer and server-side rendering for fast and easy access to images, including digital breast tomosynthesis. The new features, Exa Chat and Exa Peer Review, were developed to help practices improve communication among providers and address quality assurance, including double reads. The company noted that facilities can now immediately receive all relevant data required by the physician, rather than prefetching all data and slowing connection speeds. Server-side rendering enables system speed regardless of the larger file sizes, like 3-D digital breast tomosynthesis. Exa Mammo can be configured as a complete image management solution or as a standalone viewer to supplement existing PACS investments. Its mammography viewing station comes with standard PACS tools in addition to features dedicated for mammography, such as: Auto-Orient Mammograms for fast and easy viewing; Quadrant Zoom for single key-click access; chest wall justification: auto back-to-back breasts; measurement tools; CAD Counter; integration capabilities with CAD vendors, structured reports and GSPS; configurable with any monitor; and advanced hanging protocols with mammography comparison functionality.

Increased awareness of these innovative digital breast tomosynthesis systems will continue to grow and be a key driver in this market’s strong growth, matching a consistent increase in screenings and meeting the demand for advanced technology.

View the Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Comparison Chart here