Study: Computer-aided mammograms fail to improve detection, raise costs

Computer-aided breast cancer screening technology designed to boost accuracy have failed to increase detection, according to a new study published yesterday in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

The technology, from companies like Hologic (NSDQ:HOLX) and iCad (NSDQ:ICAD) failed to improve detection of cancerous tumors, according to the report.

“We found no evidence that CAD applied to digital mammography in U.S. community practice improves screening mammography performance on any performance measure or in any subgroup of women. In fact, mammography sensitivity was decreased in the subset of radiologists who interpreted mammograms with and without CAD,” study authors said.

The 323,973-patient study looked at women who underwent digital mammography screenings, with or without computer assistance, to examine the difference that CAD provided.

The study reported that cancer was found at nearly the same rate with or without the computer assistance.

Despite manufacturers claiming the technology improved sensitivity to detection, investigators in the study wrote that the “reported ‘high sensitivities” of CAD from these studies did not translate to higher cancer detection rates in clincal practice.”

While the study did offer that CAD assisted mammography did bring benefits in time savings, the study authors argued that the added cost was not worth the value overall.

“In the era of choosing wisely and clear commitments to support technology that brings added value to the patient experience, while aggressively reducing waste and containing costs, CAD is a technology that does not seem to warrant added compensation beyond coverage of the mammographic examination. The results of our comprehensive study lend no support for continued reimbursement for CAD as a method to increase mammography performance or improve patient outcomes,” the study reported.