For decades, the fight against breast cancer has been defined by early detection and robust treatment – but now, a new chapter is being written. What was once diagnosed through grainy mammograms and invasive procedures is now being detected earlier and treated more precisely.
As new imaging techniques, biopsy tools, and treatment devices emerge, patients are benefitting from faster diagnoses, personalised care, and, crucially, improved survival rates. Each new advancement increases the potential for treatments to succeed.
Advances in breast cancer detection: From 3D mammography to molecular imaging
At the centre of advances in breast cancer treatment is the evolution of diagnostic imaging technology, which has seen considerable improvements over the past decade.
Mammography has been a cornerstone of breast cancer screening for many years. Processes have evolved from traditional film-based images to digital mammography, offering higher resolution images and greater accuracy in identifying abnormalities – especially in women with dense breast tissue.
This technology has been further refined with 3D mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis, which provides a multi-layered view of breast tissue.
Another breakthrough in breast cancer diagnostics is the use of molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
These technologies go beyond detecting structural changes, focusing instead on metabolic activity and the blood flow of tissues. For example, PET scans can evaluate how far cancer has spread by highlighting areas of high glucose metabolism, typical in cancer cells.
On the other hand, MRI offers enhanced contrast between different types of tissues, providing a clearer picture of the extent of the disease, particularly in cases where traditional imaging techniques might fall short.
Beyond imaging, biopsy techniques have also been modernised to improve accuracy and patient comfort. Image-guided biopsies – such as stereotactic or ultrasound-guided methods – allow clinicians to precisely target suspicious areas, reducing the invasiveness of the procedure.
Evolution of breast cancer treatment: Precision medicine and minimally invasive surgery
Treatment approaches have similarly evolved alongside diagnostic improvements. Once breast cancer is diagnosed, treatment options traditionally included surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
However, precision medicine is transforming this area, allowing for more personalised treatment plans. Genetic testing and biomarker analysis are now common practices, guiding the selection of targeted therapies that are tailored to the specific characteristics of the tumour.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques are also gaining traction. Procedures such as sentinel lymph node biopsy and oncoplastic surgery combine tumour removal with cosmetic breast preservation, offering a less traumatic and more aesthetically pleasing option for patients.
Another cutting-edge technique is robotic-assisted surgery, providing surgeons with enhanced precision and control, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
Manufacturing advances: Solving the issue of complex medical components for breast cancer devices
Advances in material science for medical devices have been pivotal. With nitinol biomarkers for example, the nitinol component can be compressed and loaded into an applicator so that when it is pushed out, it immediately returns to its original shape. This means that the nitinol component immediately anchors itself into the tissue, removing the risk of marker migration. While traditional markers may take up to 24 hours to anchor, leading to the risk of migration, Alleima has developed an innovative 3D biopsy marker visible from any angle, providing superior feedback in imaging procedures.
However, the design, development, and manufacturing of medical nitinol components present unique challenges due to the complex requirements of modern devices. These components must be produced with high precision, as the materials used in breast cancer devices are often required to be exceptionally thin and small in diameter, yet strong, flexible, and durable. Nitinol, in particular, is a complex material to work with, requiring specialized expertise to preserve its temperature-dependent properties. Any manufacturer will need a deep understanding of nitinol’s unique characteristics, along with advanced manufacturing setups to process it cost-effectively—levels of expertise and investment that most OEMs may not have developed in-house.
Alleima is a one-stop-shop partner for leading OEMs developing medical devices for breast cancer treatments, providing expertise in designing and manufacturing complex, life-changing solutions using a range of metals and alloys, including nitinol. As medical devices become more advanced, companies such as Alleima have become essential outsources, providing engineering services and cutting-edge processing capabilities that are essential in ensuring that these devices are effective and reliable.
To learn more about the engineering services and processing capabilities of Alleima, download the document below.
