Enhanced Breast Cancer Screening: Molecular Breast Imaging Benefits Women with Dense Breasts

Recent advancements in breast cancer screening suggest that combining molecular breast imaging (MBI) with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) can improve detection rates, especially in women with dense breast tissue. A comprehensive multicenter trial, known as the Density MATTERS study, evaluated the effectiveness of adding MBI to standard screening with DBT in women aged 40 to 75 with dense breasts. The study involved nearly 3,000 participants across various medical centers, including Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson Cancer Center, over two years of annual screening.

Dense breast tissue, present in approximately 47% of women undergoing screening, can obscure tumors on traditional mammograms, leading to missed cancer diagnoses. While DBT offers a 3D reconstruction that enhances mammogram clarity, it still does not detect all cancers in dense tissue. MBI, which uses a radiotracer similar to that employed in cardiac imaging, provides metabolic information that can reveal cancers hidden in dense tissue. It is a safe, well-tolerated, and cost-effective method that does not involve contrast agents.

The trial's results demonstrated that adding MBI to DBT increased the detection of invasive cancers without significantly raising recall rates. Specifically, MBI identified an additional 6.7 cancers per 1,000 screenings in Year 1 and 3.5 per 1,000 in Year 2, with most of these being invasive and lymph node-negative. Importantly, MBI detected cancers that were not visible on DBT, including some with potential for more aggressive disease. Furthermore, in cases where cancers were only detected by MBI, a notable percentage showed node-positive disease, suggesting early identification of clinically significant cancers.

This complementary approach led to a higher proportion of cancer detection at earlier stages, which could substantially reduce the occurrence of advanced breast cancers. Dr. Carrie B. Hruska highlighted that the study's diverse participant pool and multicenter design strengthen its findings and relevance. She emphasized that women should be informed about the limitations of mammography and consider supplementary tests like MBI, especially if they have dense breasts.

MBI's safety profile, its use of established radiotracers, and its affordability make it a promising option for enhancing breast cancer screening protocols. Women are encouraged to discuss available screening options and the potential benefits of adjunctive imaging with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions tailored to their individual risk profiles.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-molecular-breast-imaging-benefit-women.html