Combining Molecular Breast Imaging with Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Enhances Detection in Dense Breasts

Recent research has demonstrated that supplementing digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) with molecular breast imaging (MBI) significantly improves cancer detection rates among women with dense breast tissue. Published online on September 23, 2025, in the journal Radiology, the study highlights the potential benefits of this combined approach, especially for early and invasive cancer detection.

The study, led by Carrie B. Hruska, Ph.D., from Mayo Clinic, involved 2,978 women undergoing screening over two years. Participants received both DBT and MBI during their annual screenings to evaluate how much additional cancer detection MBI could offer. Results revealed that in the first year, the cancer detection rate (CDR) increased from 5.0% with DBT alone to 11.8% with the combined approach, with a similar trend observed in the second year.

Invasive cancer detection was particularly improved, rising from 3.0% to 7.7% after adding MBI at year one, and from 1.5% to 3.9% at year two. The recall rates, a measure of additional testing needed, were higher for combined screening but balanced by the increased detection. Importantly, 29 cancers were identified only through MBI, with most being invasive or node-negative, indicating early-stage detection.

Hruska emphasizes that while DBT is effective, it does not catch all cancers, underscoring the importance of supplemental screening methods like MBI for women with dense breast tissue. The study results suggest that adding MBI can fill critical gaps in breast cancer screening, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

Several authors reported ties to CMR Naviscan, the manufacturer of MBI technology. This research underscores the evolving landscape of breast cancer detection and highlights the potential of combined imaging modalities to improve screening accuracy in women with dense breasts.

For more information, the study is accessible through Radiology at DOI: 10.1148/radiol.243953.