The Center for Advanced Breast Care (CABC) is the first comprehensive breast center in the Chicago area to add Positron Emission Mammography (PEM)-guided biopsy capability to its already extensive breast cancer care services. The new technology, Stereo Navigator® is the first-ever PET-guided accessory for breast biopsy. When used in conjunction with the Naviscan® PEM scanner, it enables physicians to guide compatible interventional devices towards abnormalities seen with PEM, a tomographic 3D Molecular Breast Imaging tool.
"Identifying new or recurrent breast cancer at the earliest stage possible gives each of my patients the best chance for a superior outcome. With the Naviscan PEM Scanner, I have the ability to evaluate areas of concern that are very small in size, often smaller than what can be seen with traditional mammography or MRI," said Dr. Michael Kinney, a breast surgeon at CABC. "By utilizing PEM guidance to biopsy, I am now able to evaluate tissue samples that show early metabolic changes consistent with breast cancer and obtain immediate confirmation of accuracy of the specimens, which is a definite asset to me and my patients."
The Naviscan PEM scanner is compact, mobile and easy-to-use to precisely characterize breast cancer, enhance surgical planning, monitor patient response to chemotherapy and evaluate suspected recurrence. It is designed to show the metabolic phase of a lesion allowing for early breast cancer diagnosis.
The adoption of Stereo Navigator is indicative of the center's dedication to providing patients with the best care available. "With the addition of CABC as one of our 15 PEM-guided biopsy sites, market acceptance of this cutting-edge and necessary technology is clearer than ever. Naviscan is proud to partner with a center offering comprehensive services to women facing breast cancer," said Paul J. Mirabella, Chairman and CEO, Naviscan, Inc.