Combining imaging and gene analysis ‘could aid breast cancer diagnosis’

Scientists at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute have developed a new hybrid data analysis method that could revolutionise breast cancer diagnosis.

The team has developed a computer system that automatically analyses microscopy images of hundreds of breast cancer samples, before combining them with data on the key genetic changes that are crucial to the progression of the disease.

By carrying out this analysis in a single process rather than separately, the system was able to deliver improved accuracy and more detailed information about specific patients' breast cancers.

Using this method, it is thought that scientists can diagnose the condition more effectively, as well as predict survival rates based on the arrangement of supporting cells within tumours.

Dr Florian Markowetz, lead researcher at Cancer Research UK's Cambridge Research Institute, said: "These cells play an important role in how cancers behave, but this information is not currently detected in tests that focus on the genetic makeup of the cancer."

This comes after data from the first ever clinical trial to involve the scanning of entire DNA genomes of breast cancer patients' tumours were announced by France's Institute Gustave Roussy.