Hologic, Inc. published the final results of a prospective large-scale study comparing cancer screening breast realized using mammography 2D associated tomosynthesis Hologic (breast Tomosynthesis) and mammography conventional 2D. The study was published online in advance of its print Lancet Oncology.

The study aimed to find out if the combination of 2D mammography in Tomosynthesis allowed a more effective cancer screening and reducing false positives more important than screening in 2D only. The analysis was based on the examination of 7292 women aged 58 years on average and having been screened within two facilities in Italy.

The study, titled "Integration of 3D digital mammography with Tomosynthesis for breast-cancer screening population (STORM): a prospective comparison study" (combination of digital mammography in 3D Tomosynthesis for the screening of breast cancer (STORM): prospective comparative study) was conducted by a team of Italian and Australian researchers, represented by Associate Professor Nehmat Houssami, within the School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Australia.

The use of technology to Hologic Breast Tomosynthesis has significantly increased rates of cancer detection while reducing the number of false positives. Significant findings include the following: breast tomosynthesis has detected 8.1 cancers per 1000 screened, compared with 2D mammography used alone, which detected 5.3 cases per 1000 tests, which corresponds to an increase of cancers were detected by more than 50% and breast tomosynthesis also generated a 17% rate of return.

"This new confirmation undoubted benefits of mammography in 3D is very encouraging," said Dr Edward Lipsit, president of Washington Radiology Associates, the largest provider of mammography 3D world. "We use 3D mammography as a screening tool for breast cancer since August 2011 and have seen the positive impact of this technology on a daily basis. Not only do we detect cancers at an earlier stage, when they are easier to care for, but we are also able to eliminate much of the stress and expenses related to recalls due to false positives. My colleagues and I firmly believe that the integration of a 3D mammography screening could become the new standard generally recognized. Clinical data continue to emerge, including the latest Italian study support a strong and powerful way this position."

"The data from the Italian study on screening mammography or Tomosynthesis (STORM) emphasize the clinical benefits of screening for breast cancer with the Tomosynthesis and 2D integrated," said Peter Soltani, senior vice president and CEO of Hologic, Breast Health. "The significant increase from a statistical point of view, the cancer detection and reducing false positives supports the results presented in previously published articles, such as the trial of the screening Tomosynthesis' s Oslo. While more clinical studies are published, the importance of integrating technology to Hologic Breast Tomosynthesis screening will become more widely recognized and accepted by physicians and patients. Early detection of breast cancer greatly affects the chances of success of the treatment received by women. In addition, the ability to reduce the number of unnecessary reminders helps reduce patient anxiety. We believe our technology Tomosynthesis sets the standard for screening and diagnosis of breast cancer.”

The use of technology to Hologic Breast Tomosynthesis was approved in countries recognising the CE mark since 2008. The use of this technology has also been approved in the US for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer since February 2011. The Hologic systems are now used in 48 states in the United States and in more than 50 countries.

Hologic, Inc. is a developer, manufacturer and supplier of diagnostics, medical imaging and the most important market surgical products quality systems. The Company operates in four main business units whose activity is focused on the diagnosis, breast health, gynaecological surgery and bone health.