About CAD...
Computer-aided detection (CAD) refers to sophisticated pattern recognition
software radiologists use to help them read medical images. This software
identifies features on medical images and brings them to the attention of
the radiologist in order to decrease false negative readings. It does
not replace the imaging technology; rather it is an interpretive aid to be
used during image review. R2 technology pioneered the use of CAD for
mammography in 1998 when the ImageChecker® system became the first CAD
system approved by the FDA for screening mammography. The ImageChecker
CAD system was also the first system approved for use with diagnostic and
digital mammography. More than eight million women a year have their
mammograms interpreted with the aid of this leading CAD system.
Industry Leading Performance
R2 transformed the practice of mammography by introducing the first CAD solution for mammography. The ImageChecker product line has since evolved and expanded, but some things never change.
R2’s leading market position and long history allow them to leverage a formidable and growing database of clinical cases to effectively identify masses, architectural distortions, and microcalcisfications in a diverse screening population.
- R2’s CAD algorithm provides the best overall performance in the industry so you’ll find more cancers and you’ll find them earlier.
- R2 delivers the lowest false marker rate available, because sometimes the most important mark is no mark at all.
- Independent prospective studies from clinical sites have shown an 8-19% increase in cancer detection from academic and community practices, respectively, with the use of the ImageChecker system.
CAD and Mammography
Computer-aided detection is used by increasing numbers of radiologists as “a second pair of eyes” when reading mammograms. Radiologists review a mammogram then activate the CAD software and re-evaluate the marked area(s) before issuing a final report. Clinical trials demonstrated that the use of the ImageChecker system can result in earlier detection of up to 23.4% of cancers currently detected with screening mammography in those women who had a prior screening mammogram 9 to 24 months earlier. CAD has received broad support from radiologists, the American College of Radiology, Medicare, and patient advocacy groups. The American Cancer Society has recognized the benefits of CAD as a technology for breast cancer screening in women of average risk. Recently updated guidelines state: “…CAD systems may aide the average radiologist by substantially improving detection of early stage malignancies with no more than a proportionate increase in recall rate.”
Links to R2 Technology Clinical Studies