Madrid, 18 October 2024. - With more than 36,000 cases annually, breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in Spain1, falling behind only colon and rectal tumors. The pathologist plays a fundamental role in the detection and diagnosis of this prevalent disease, not only in terms of confirming the presence of the tumor, but also in providing information on its type, grade and stage. In this context, Dr. José Luis Solórzano, from the Pathological Anatomy and Molecular Diagnosis Service of MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid – Hospiten, emphasizes that accurate pathological assessment is ”key to improving survival rates and reducing the risk of relapse”.
Our specialist highlights how “the accuracy of the diagnosis is essential to determine the treatment and prognosis in breast cancer. An accurate diagnosis will identify the specific type of cancer, its stage, whether there are hormone receptors or HER2 overexpression, and thereby determine selection of appropriate treatment. An incorrect or inaccurate diagnosis could lead to inappropriate treatment, negatively affecting the patient's prognosis and quality of life,” says the expert.
In regards to the most often used imaging technologies for detection and obtaining biopsies in the study of breast cancer, MD specialist Anderson Madrid – Hospiten highlights the use of mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). “Mammography is the standard technique in screening, while ultrasound is used in cases of inconclusive mammograms or in women with dense breasts. We use MRI for high-risk patients or in situations where greater precision is necessary. These images guide doctors in locating the lesion and help radiologists obtain targeted biopsies, so the pathologist can evaluate them, thus improving the accuracy of the diagnosis,” he explains.
Dr. Solórzano adds that, over recent years, we have seen significant progress in detection techniques with the introduction of digital mammography, tomosynthesis (3D mammography) and genomic testing, allowing the identification of smaller and earlier stage lesions leading to significantly improved survival rates. In addition, the use of MRI as a screening tool in women at high genetic risk has expanded, which has enabled greater accuracy in the molecular characterization of tumors.
For her part, Dr. Laura García Estévez, head of the MD Anderson Madrid – Hospiten Breast Tumor Unit says that collaboration between the pathologist and the oncologist is essential in the approach to the pathology. In her words: “the pathologist provides us with key information about the molecular and biological characteristics of the tumor, which allows us to personalize treatment and make more precise decisions. Only through close communication between the two disciplines can we ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective therapy, thus optimizing the chances of success and improving the quality of life of the people we treat”.
How AI is Transforming Breast Cancer Detection
As with other medical specialties, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital image analysis are opening up new possibilities and transforming the diagnosis of breast cancer. One of the first areas to use AI consistently has been radiology, especially when determining the benignity or malignancy of the tumor with greater accuracy through imaging. Pathological Anatomy is now evolving at a rapid pace thanks to the digitization process in laboratories, providing opportunities for applying AI in a multimodal way. This emerging field is showing very promising results, and could lead to major advances in breast cancer diagnosis and patient care in the future.
“AI is now making it possible to detect biological patterns in a tumor, which can be difficult to detect with the naked eye, and is set to become an invaluable tool for Pathology professionals. However, we still need to see a large-scale digitization of pathology services. This new intelligent diagnostic system will then help all doctors to analyze large quantities of data more quickly, accurately and objectively,” concludes the expert.
References:
1. Cancer figures in Spain 2023. SEOM