Breast cancer, by far the most common cancer in women, is easier to treat the earlier it is detected. In the newly opened Christian Doppler Laboratory for patient-centered breast imaging at MedUni Vienna, researchers are working on the development and use of diagnostic tools that are not only more precise than current methods, but also more pleasant for patients. This is intended to further increase the acceptance of the sometimes life-saving preventive examinations.
In their work, the researchers, led by Pascal Baltzer, University Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at MedUni Vienna, focus on the development and application of Triple-S breast imaging: soft, safe, smart are the technological innovations that the team will research in the next few years. Mammography, one of the main methods for detecting breast cancer, is expected to become even more reliable through the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence). In order to make breast examinations using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) more comfortable, a portable breast coil is to be developed. This means that the procedure can now be carried out in the supine position instead of on the stomach as is currently the case, which is much more comfortable for the patient. At the same time, work is being done to optimize or reduce the use of contrast media in both methods. “Breast imaging should be as gentle as possible for patients, be able to be individually adapted to them and deliver extremely precise results,” says CD laboratory manager Pascal Baltzer, summarizing the goal of the new research facility, which is run by the companies Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics GmbH, Bracco Imaging SpA, ALSIX GmbH, b-rayZ AG and the public sector.
The Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs promotes cooperation between science and companies
Labor and Economics Minister Martin Kocher emphasizes the social significance of the research subject: “Early breast cancer detection makes an important contribution to health care. Increasing participation in the screening program is therefore an important goal. This CD laboratory focuses on researching new, more patient-friendly technologies as well as examining health economic aspects. The patients, the research location Austria and the corporate partners benefit from this.”
Renowned companies, including Siemens Healthineers, were won as corporate partners. Joachim Bogner, Managing Director of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics GmbH, emphasized at the opening of the CD laboratory for patient-centered breast imaging: “Early detection is crucial for the further prognosis of breast cancer. The aim is to motivate more patients to undergo preventive examinations. Together with the Christian Doppler Laboratory, we want to create added value for patients by expanding precision medicine and improving the patient experience. For years, we have been gaining valuable results from such high-level research collaborations, which flow directly into research and development at Siemens Healthineers. We are pleased that we can support this new CD laboratory in the tried and tested manner in the further development of breast imaging in the sense of being patient-friendly, precise and sustainable.”
Martin Krix (Medical Planning and Management ALSIX GmbH, a spin-off company run by MedUni Vienna researchers, is on board and specializes in the development, production and distribution of customized hardware for magnetic resonance imaging, as managing director Gerald Pressl explained. b-rayZ AG, a spin-off of the University Hospital of Zurich, is dedicated, among other things, to the science of more efficient, precise and sustainable breast cancer diagnostics using AI support in order to improve not only the examination results themselves, but also the entire breast imaging workflow, explained CEO Cristina Rossi.
“In the month of October, which is dedicated to breast cancer awareness, the opening of this CD laboratory underlines our commitment to research that focuses on patient care and quality of life. With their work, the scientists will contribute to making imaging methods for early detection gentler, more precise and more effective. We want to strengthen trust in breast cancer diagnosis and encourage even more women to take advantage of these important examinations. We are pleased that our corporate partners and the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs are supporting us in achieving this important goal,” says Michaela Fritz, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at the Medical University of Vienna.
About Christian Doppler Laboratories
In Christian Doppler laboratories, application-oriented basic research is carried out at a high level, and outstanding scientists cooperate with innovative companies. The Christian Doppler Research Society is considered an international best practice example for promoting this collaboration. Christian Doppler laboratories are jointly financed by the public sector and the companies involved. The most important public funding provider is the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs.
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