For decades, the fight against breast cancer has been defined by early detection and aggressive treatment, but now a new chapter is being written. Once diagnosed with grainy mammograms and invasive procedures, it is now detected earlier and treated more accurately.
As new imaging techniques, biopsy tools, and treatment devices emerge, patients are benefiting from faster diagnosis, personalized care, and, importantly, improved survival rates. With each new advancement, the chances of successful treatment increase.
Advances in breast cancer detection: From 3D mammography to molecular imaging
At the heart of advances in breast cancer treatment are advances in diagnostic imaging techniques, which have seen significant improvements over the past decade.
Mammography has been the cornerstone of breast cancer screening for many years. The process has evolved from traditional film-based imaging to digital mammography, resulting in higher-resolution images and improved accuracy in identifying abnormalities, especially in women with dense breast tissue.
This technology has been further improved with 3D mammography or digital breast tomosynthesis, which provides a multilayered view of breast tissue.
Another breakthrough in breast cancer diagnosis is the use of molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
These techniques go beyond detecting structural changes and focus on tissue metabolic activity and blood flow. For example, a PET scan can assess how far cancer has spread by highlighting areas of high glucose metabolism typical of cancer cells.
MRI, on the other hand, provides enhanced contrast between different types of tissue and provides a clearer picture of the extent of disease, especially when traditional imaging techniques are inadequate.
In addition to image processing, biopsy techniques have also been modernized to improve accuracy and patient comfort. Image-guided biopsies, such as stereotactic and ultrasound-guided techniques, allow clinicians to precisely target suspicious areas, making the procedure less invasive.
Evolution of breast cancer treatment: precision medicine and minimally invasive surgery
Treatment approaches have similarly evolved with improvements in diagnosis. Once breast cancer is diagnosed, treatment options have traditionally included surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
However, precision medicine is transforming the field and enabling more personalized treatment plans. Genetic testing and biomarker analysis are now commonplace and can guide the selection of targeted therapies tailored to the specific characteristics of the tumor.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques are also attracting attention. Surgery, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy and oncoplastic surgery, combines tumor removal with cosmetic preservation of the breast, making it a less traumatic and more aesthetically pleasing option for patients.
Another cutting-edge technology is robot-assisted surgery, which provides surgeons with increased precision and control, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
Manufacturing Advancement: Solving Complex Medical Wire Problems for Breast Cancer Devices
Advances in material science for medical devices are critical. For example, with traditional biopsy markers, if the marker is not fully adhered to the tissue, there is a risk that the marker will migrate after the procedure. With the nitinol biomarker, nitinol can be compressed and loaded into the applicator so that it quickly returns to its original shape once extruded. This means that the material is instantly fixed to the tissue, eliminating the risk of marker migration.
However, the design, development, and manufacturing of medical wire and wire-based nitinol components presents unique challenges due to the complex requirements of modern equipment. Because the wires used in breast cancer devices are often very thin and require strength, flexibility, and durability, these components must be manufactured with high precision. Nitinol in particular is a complex material to work with and requires expertise to maintain its temperature-dependent properties. All manufacturers require a deep understanding of Nitinol’s unique properties and sophisticated manufacturing setups to process Nitinol cost-effectively, a level of expertise and investment that most OEMs have not developed in-house. .
Alleima is a one-stop-shop partner for leading OEMs developing medical devices for breast cancer treatment, with expertise in designing and manufacturing complex, life-changing wire-based solutions using a variety of metals and alloys, including Nitinol. We offer As medical devices become more sophisticated, companies like Alleima have become critical outsourcers, providing essential engineering services and cutting-edge processing power to ensure these devices are effective and reliable.
To learn more about Alleima’s engineering services and processing capabilities, download the document below.
