Hologic is bringing artificial intelligence to breast cancer imaging with its latest product. The Marlborough, MA-based company has won a nod for the 3DQuorum Imaging Technology, powered by Genius AI.

3DQuorum technology uses Genius AI-powered analytics to uniquely reconstruct high-resolution 3D data to produce 6 mm “SmartSlices.” These analytics identify clinically relevant regions of interest and preserve important features during the reconstruction of the SmartSlices.

This helps to expedite read time by reducing the number of images for radiologists to review, without compromising image quality, sensitivity or accuracy. With 3DQuorum technology, the number of 3D images to review is reduced by two-thirds, saving an average of one hour per eight hours of daily image interpretation time.

"Superior breast cancer detection begins with our superior imaging, and only Hologic offers a comprehensive breast health ecosystem that improves outcomes, reduces costs, and increases patient and clinician satisfaction,” said Pete Valenti, Hologic’s Division President, Breast and Skeletal Health Solutions, said in a release. “3DQuorum technology is the first of many products to come powered by our new Genius AI technology platform, which will further revolutionize cancer detection in the coming years. 3DQuorum technology delivers meaningful productivity gains for radiologists due to a significant reduction in read time.”

Hologic has seen significant growth in its breast health offerings. Global sales for breast health totaled $343 million, an increase of 7.1% against the prior year comparable.

There is potential to enhance the current imaging technology for the unit with 3D and AI upgrades, said Steve MacMillan, chairman, president and CEO of Hologic, during a 3Q19 earnings call, according to a Seeking Alpha Transcript.

“As in recent quarters, Imaging growth was driven by our new 3-D performance and 3-Dimensions gantries, demonstrating how innovative R&D is contributing to our growth strategy,” MacMillan said according to the transcript. “Other new products, including Intelligent 2D, Clarity HD and SmartCurve, also added nicely to Imaging growth. We have a long-term opportunity to further enhance our existing 3-D install base with upgrades like these, as well as the new artificial intelligence tools that we are developing and expect to launch this year.”

Everybody Loves AI

AI-based solutions are proving to be fertile ground for many large-size medtech companies. In October, Medtronic signed a distribution agreement with Cosmo Pharmaceuticals to help launch an AI-based system used to detect colorectal polyps. The duo had a product launch for the system during the United European Gastroenterology Week in Barcelona, Spain.

And earlier this year, GE Healthcare formed a partnership with American College of Radiology (ACR). The collaboration will have GE Healthcare integrating the Edison platform with the ACR AI-Lab.