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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
A Multimodal Imaging Framework to Advance Phenotyping of Living Label-free Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: August 22, 2025
Scientific Impact Recognition Award: Molecular breast imaging: a review of the Mayo Clinic experience
Carrie B Hruska1, Judy C Boughey, Stephen W Phillips
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Background:
Molecular breast imaging (MBI) depicts functional uptake of targeted radiotracers in the breast using dedicated gamma cameras.
Methods:
MBI studies were performed under several institutional protocols evaluating the use of MBI in screening and diagnosis.
Results:
By using a single-head system, sensitivity for breast cancer detection was 85% (57 of 67) overall and 29% for tumors 5 mm or less in diameter. Sensitivity improved to 91% (117 of 128) overall and 69% for tumors 5 mm or less using a dual-head system. In 650 high-risk patients undergoing breast cancer screening, MBI detected 7 cancers, 5 of which were missed on mammography. In 24 of 149 (16%) breast cancer patients MBI detected additional disease not seen on mammography. The sensitivity of MBI was 88% (83 of 94) for invasive ductal carcinoma, 79% (23 of 29) for invasive lobular carcinoma, and 89% (25 of 28) for ductal carcinoma in situ.
Conclusions:
MBI can detect invasive ductal carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, and invasive lobular carcinoma. It has a promising role in evaluating the extent of disease and multifocal disease in the breast for surgical treatment planning.
Insights
Molecular breast imaging (MBI) enhances breast cancer detection, especially for smaller tumors. Dual-head systems show improved sensitivity in screening and diagnosis, aiding surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Molecular breast imaging (MBI) utilizes dedicated gamma cameras to visualize radiotracer uptake in breast tissue.
- MBI plays a role in both breast cancer screening and diagnostic evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) in detecting various breast cancer types.
- To assess MBI's performance in screening high-risk populations and identifying additional disease in diagnosed patients.
Main Methods:
- MBI studies were conducted under institutional protocols for screening and diagnosis.
- Performance was assessed using single-head and dual-head gamma camera systems.
Main Results:
- Dual-head MBI achieved 91% overall sensitivity, with 69% sensitivity for tumors ≤5 mm.
- MBI detected 5 cancers missed by mammography in 650 high-risk patients.
- MBI identified additional disease in 16% of breast cancer patients and showed high sensitivity for invasive ductal carcinoma (88%), invasive lobular carcinoma (79%), and ductal carcinoma in situ (89%).
Conclusions:
- Molecular breast imaging effectively detects invasive ductal carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, and invasive lobular carcinoma.
- MBI shows significant potential for assessing disease extent and multifocal disease, crucial for surgical treatment planning.
