Hologic Showcases Mammography, AI, Breast Biopsy, and Surgical Solutions at RSNA

At RSNA 2024, Hologic is unveiling two new technologies that demonstrate a “reimagining of breast health,” according to Erik Anderson, President of Breast & Skeletal Health Solutions. The Envision™ Mammography Platform offers a high-speed Hologic 3D™ mammogram, delivering the company’s fastest, sharpest, high-resolution images to date. The next-generation Genius AI® Detection PRO solution—approved for US use—is also released, an advanced cancer screening technology that provides even greater accuracy and efficiency compared with previous models to increase confidence and reduce false positive rates.

“Given the rising prominence of AI in mammography and radiology workflow, Hologic is committed to leading the way by offering innovative products designed to drive better, earlier breast cancer detection,” Anderson told Applied Radiology.

Technology features

At booth #1919, attendees can explore the Envision™ platform, which, along with shorter scan times, offers tilt positioning that improves patient comfort and is designed especially for women with limited mobility, Anderson explains.

“We’re excited to showcase this complementary platform at RSNA to improve the individualized experience of patients and providers,” he says, adding that the FDA-approved Envision platform enhances the detection of subtle objects, minimizes focal spot blur, and improves the sharpness of 3-D images.

The Genius AI® Detection PRO solution expands on Hologic’s Genius AI® Detection 2.0 solution with a deep-learning 2-D and 3-D algorithm that uses patient’s priors in the exam’s analysis to improve specificity. Intuitive case and lesion scoring and pre-populated exam reports accelerate image review to save radiologists time amid industry-wide staffing concerns. This all-in-one AI assistant includes deep-learning breast density scoring along with key patient and mammogram quality information to further support radiologists.

Also on display at the booth are the Dimensions® mammography portfolio, Envision™ Mammography Platform, Genius AI® Detection 2.0 and Genius AI® Detection PRO software, Affirm® Contrast Biopsy software, I-View® Contrast Enhanced Mammography software, and Hologic’s full suite of breast biopsy and surgery solutions.

Earlier this year, Hologic acquired Endomag, a breast cancer surgery medical device manufacturer. Their wireless breast surgery localization and lymphatic tracing solutions, including the Magseed® marker, the Magtrace® lymphatic tracer and the Sentimag® platform are showcased as well.

“Together, we’re providing breast surgeons and radiologists with an expanded range of options and enhanced user experience,” Anderson says.

Study and workshops

Hologic will present the results of a recently published study demonstrating the performance of its Genius AI® Detection 2.0 software across diverse patient populations in a scientific poster session on Dec. 3 at 9:00 CST in Lakeside Center. According to Anderson, the study examined more than 7,500 digital breast tomosynthesis images from women who identified as Asian, Black, Hispanic or white. Researchers found that the measured performance of the algorithm was similar across all evaluated cohorts, demonstrating its ability to deliver results that are not impacted by racial bias.

“Given the increased use of AI in screening and rising concerns regarding racially biased algorithms in patient care systems, we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping minimize racial bias in the cancer screening process,” says Anderson. “By collecting diverse ethnic and racial data as part of our AI algorithms and measuring the behavior of Hologic products that rely on AI, we’re doing our part to make screening more equitable for patients from all backgrounds.” 

Hologic is also hosting the following RSNA workshops:

• Navigating Breast Localization: From Imaging to Surgery, , Dec. 1: 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. CST (Room S502)
• Enhancing Breast Cancer Detection: The Role of AI in Mammography, , Dec. 3: 12-1 p.m. CST (Room S502)
• Innovative Advancements in Breast Cancer Screening: The Role of Contrast-Enhanced Mammography, , Dec. 4: 12-1 p.m. CST (Room S502)

Areas of focus

Hologic continues to focus efforts on educating women about breast cancer and mammograms, including breast dense tissue notification and updated guidelines regarding annual screenings—now beginning at age 40 for average-risk women, according to the US Preventive Services Task Force and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

“[The updated guidelines] are an important step forward in prioritizing early detection in order to save lives,” Anderson emphasizes.

Hologic will continue to support radiologists in identifying more cancers in the earliest stages possible with its developing technology, incorporating AI. Anderson says contrast enhanced mammography (CEM) is also emerging as a promising supplemental screening modality, especially in women with dense breast tissue.

“As research continues to validate its effectiveness and safety, CEM has the potential to become a valuable tool in the fight against breast cancer, offering patients and providers another imaging option.”