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3-2-1 Breast Cancer
Priyanka Vaidya
May 26, 2025
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can invade nearby tissue and, if untreated, spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). It most commonly develops in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast and can affect anyone, though it is most frequently diagnosed in women over 50. Symptoms may include a new lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast shape or size, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or unusual discharge. Risk factors include age, family history, certain genetic mutations (such as BRCA), hormone exposure, and lifestyle factors. Early detection and advances in treatment, such as surgery, radiation, and medications, have improved outcomes for many patients. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
3 startups making an impact in this space:
Company | |||
Location | Israel | UK | US |
Modality | Diagnosis | Diagnosis | Treatment |
Descriptor | This is a new approach for cancer pre-screening: a single at-home test for multiple cancer types, all based on one breath sample. | Mammography Intelligent Assessment (MIA) is an AI-powered breast cancer screening tool for accurate and timely results. | A handheld device and optical imaging agent that provides surgeons with a real-time view of breast cancer during surgery, helping ensure complete tumor removal. |
Core Problem | Currently, despite billions spent on cancer screening, nearly half of the cases are still not detected early enough. | Early and accurate detection is crucial in the case of cancer to ensure better clinical outcomes. Currently clinical staffing shortages and workload causes delays. | Surgeons rely on static images to excise tumors which may mean they miss during lumpectomy surgery. |
Solution | SpotitEarly’s technology allows more frequent testing of much wider audiences at a fraction of the cost. They are using a very novel approach with AI + Animal intelligence where canines can sniff and confirm presence of cancer. | 12% more breast cancers can be detected using AI as an extra ‘image reader’ to augment breast cancer detection and reduce unnecessary recalls. | LumiSystem is the combination of the optimal imaging product pegulicianine and a direct visualization system used as an adjunct by surgeons to intraoperatively detect residual breast cancer, in real-time, during lumpectomy surgery. |
Product Suite | Cancer pre-screening for the four major types of cancers: breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal. BRCA germline - Molecular test used to identify patients with BRCA. | MIA - Mammography Intelligent Assessment AI-based platform. MIA Triage - platform for breast screening. MIA IQ- Breast positioning tool for radiology. RSViP is an optimised appointment scheduling platform | LUMISIGHT is an optical imaging agent that fluoresces at sites of suspected cancerous tissue. Lumicell DVS is an imaging device that provides fluorescence guidance. |
Regulatory Status | Not yet approved | Approved in certain countries. | FDA approved. |
Funding Stage | Seed | Series B | Series C |
Team | Health technology entrepreneurs, K9 unit commander. | Tech entrepreneurs with deep interest in AI in clinical space. | Health technology entrepreneurs. |
Traction | Partnerships with UPenn and hospitals in Israel. | Strong traction with deployments within NHS, UCSF & Emory. | Completion of multi-site clinical study. |
2 actionable insights to inspire your strategy.
Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning models are revolutionizing breast cancer risk prediction. These models analyze mammograms to predict an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer up to five years in advance, outperforming traditional risk models and enabling earlier intervention. Newer AI models are becoming more interpretable, allowing clinicians to understand the reasoning behind risk predictions, which can improve trust and adoption in clinical settings. AI systems are now being integrated into breast cancer screening workflows, helping radiologists detect cancer with accuracy comparable to human experts. These systems can identify subtle features in mammograms that may be missed by specialists, leading to earlier and more consistent detection. | Advanced Imagining For women with dense breast tissue, where traditional mammograms are less effective, new molecular breast imaging (MBI) technologies offer faster scans, lower radiation doses, and precise 3D imaging, improving detection rates and accessibility. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) or 3D mammography captures multiple images from different angles, providing clearer, more detailed views of breast tissue and improving the detection of small or hidden tumors compared to standard mammography. Techniques like contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) and contrast-enhanced dual-energy mammography are being explored to highlight suspicious areas, though they may involve higher radiation exposure. |
1 key resource to deepen your understanding.
To hear more about AI and the definition of ‘High Risk’ for breast cancer, listen to this episode on ‘The Breast Cancer Podcast’
And that’s all for today. See you next Monday!
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