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Cancer Screening at ECR | Vendor ECR News
March 3, 2025
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Together with
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“We now face another invisible harm — not invisible rays but invisible gases.”
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ECR 2025 President Prof. Andrea Rockall, comparing the challenge of fighting climate change to radiology’s role in the early days of radiation protection.
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By leveraging AI and workflow automation for mammography services, private radiology groups are reshaping how they manage quality, reduce administrative overhead, and advance patient care. Learn more in this guest contribution from Densitas.
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New advances in cancer screening were among the major trends at last week’s ECR 2025 conference in Vienna. From traditional screening exams like mammography to up-and-coming tests like CT lung cancer exams, radiologists are emerging at the forefront of efforts to improve population health through early detection.
CT lung cancer screening is gaining momentum in Europe, and a Friday afternoon session explored the experiences of multiple sites…
- U.K. researchers used DeepHealth’s Lung Nodules AI solution for automated triage of lung nodules found on non-screening CT chest exams, finding the approach could save £25k-£37k annually.
- A German team documented technical lung CT acquisition parameters for screening centers in the SOLACE consortium across 10 countries, finding some room for improvement.
- Preliminary results from an Italian lung screening project were reported, with 2k people scanned with a 1.5% cancer detection rate (77% stage I-II) and 17% recall rate. Smoking cessation advice was also given.
- Early results from a pilot screening project in Poland were given, with a 1.9% cancer detection rate in 3.1k people screened. They recommend screening be implemented nationwide.
- In a secondary analysis of 23.4k people in the NLST study, CT-derived body composition metrics predicted mortality beyond traditional risk factors.
Meanwhile, new ECR cancer screening research builds on the landmark accomplishments from 2024 in AI for breast screening. A Saturday afternoon session explored the progress being made…
- German breast screening programs that deployed ScreenPoint Medical’s Transpara AI algorithm for 119k women saw their cancer detection rate grow (6 vs. 4.8 cancers per 1k) while the recall rate remained stable at around 2.5%.
- AI-supported double-reading in Italy for 120k women led to more breast cancers detected on baseline exams compared to subsequent screening rounds, as well as a 42% lower recall rate.
- Patients found an AI chatbot based on GPT-4 generated responses to their questions that were more empathetic and readable than those of radiologists.
- Another Italian study found that using AI for double-reading mammograms of 266k women led to a 21% increase in cancer detection rate and 15% drop in recall rate.
- A secondary analysis of the MASAI trial suggested that double-reading with two radiologists continue to be used for high-risk women. Single reading of 3.8k high-risk exams resulted in 8.9% fewer detected cancers and 5.9% fewer recalls.
The Takeaway
Last week’s research on cancer screening at ECR 2025 shows that imaging experts see screening as a way to not only improve population health on a broad scale, but also to give radiologists the opportunity to raise their profile with patients and take a more direct role in patient care. The question is whether it’s an opportunity radiologists are ready to take.
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Empower Your Healthcare Workforce at HIMSS 2025
Visit Microsoft at HIMSS 2025 to learn how to empower your healthcare workforce, unlock value from clinical and operational data, and accelerate discovery and development. Schedule a demo today or visit booth #2221.
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Unprecedented Insights Made Possible with AI
With the largest normative dataset of whole-body imaging in the world, Prenuvo’s AI researchers partner with the best academic minds to understand – like never before – what “normal” aging means. Learn about their work today.
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Best in KLAS for 2025
Merge Cardio and Merge Hemo from Merge by Merative have been ranked Best in KLAS for Cardiology and Hemodynamics, marking the 10th and 13th time respectively for these industry-leading solutions. Read this report to see how they compared to the competition.
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- Advances in Chest Imaging: A variety of new advances in chest imaging were explored in a Saturday morning session at ECR:
- A novel photon-counting CT scanner with cadmium zinc telluride detectors and super-resolution deep learning reconstruction was presented.
- A U.S. team also explored photon-counting CT with CZT detectors for ultrahigh-resolution quantitative lung imaging.
- Swedish researchers recorded radiation dose of just 0.11 mSv for ultralow-dose photon-counting CT chest for patients with cystic fibrosis.
- German researchers found AI-based body composition analysis with CT identified COPD patients at high risk of sarcopenia.
- An Italian group explored dark-field X-ray for pneumothorax assessment.
- Personalized Breast Cancer Risk Prediction: Risk prediction is the next frontier of breast cancer research, and a Sunday morning ECR session explored the latest advances:
- Dutch researchers used Volpara software to assess breast density in mammograms from 60k women, finding that higher breast cancer risk was predicted by volumetric breast density (12%) and density volume (32%).
- iCAD’s ProFound AI Risk algorithm was able to predict one-year breast cancer risk for women getting digital mammography (40%) and DBT (48%).
- AI scores generated by commercial algorithms predicted which women would develop breast cancer before they got an actual diagnosis in a study of 116k women in Norway.
- Philips Touts MRI, Ultrasound at ECR: MRI and ultrasound were the two modalities highlighted in the Philips booth at ECR 2025. In MRI, the company pointed to the growing installed base of its BlueSeal helium-free MRI scanner, with 1.7k systems installed worldwide. Philips also showcased SmartSpeed Precise, a new version of its MRI reconstruction protocol with an extra layer of AI processing to improve image quality. In ultrasound, the new Elevate upgrade for the Epiq and Affiniti scanners includes user interface improvements as well as the new Auto ElastQ feature for improved liver elastography.
- Stock Photo Faux Pas: In one of the more intriguing studies from ECR 2025, researchers found that stock photos that purport to be of radiologists don’t accurately portray the profession. In an analysis of 200 stock photos from three commercial databases, researchers found only 4% showed radiologists reading images on PACS workstations, while 66% showed radiologists holding image films in the air and 10% on lightboxes, while 48% had the lead person wearing a stethoscope. Only 9% presented a realistic view of a radiologist’s job.
- Helium-Free MRI Paces GE at ECR: An updated version of its Freelium helium-free MRI technology was in the spotlight at GE HealthCare’s ECR 2025 booth. GE first discussed Freelium in 2016, but the company has refined the sealed-magnet technology in preparation for a commercial launch later this year. In other GE news, Revolution Vibe is a lower-cost solution for cardiac CT scanning with 19 millisecond temporal resolution (FDA clearance pending), while Invenia ABUS Premium is a new generation of GE’s automated breast ultrasound technology.
- Digital Tomosynthesis for Fractures: In a March 2 ECR presentation, Israeli researchers discussed their experiences using Nanox’s multisource cold-cathode digital tomosynthesis X-ray system for detecting fractures. In a small study with 19 patients, the Nanox system added value to 17 studies and detected seven fractures not visible on X-ray, and it also performed well in patients with casts and metal implants. The technology could alleviate the need for CT scans with better performance than X-ray.
- Siemens Highlights Mobile Stroke Project: A big highlight for Siemens Healthineers at ECR 2025 was the company’s work on mobile stroke units in Germany. A Somatom On.site dedicated head CT scanner has been placed in an ambulance with Stroke Connect software to speed triage and diagnosis for patients. In other news, the company launched Syngo Flexinity, a new licensing program for its Syngo Carbon image viewing and CT and MRI processing software that gives users more flexible usage options.
- AI Spearheads United ECR Exhibit: United Imaging emphasized the latest AI advances in its United Imaging Intelligence division at ECR 2025. United noted that AI has been embedded across its modality product lines, with a particular focus on image acceleration and reconstruction like with its uAIFI ACS algorithm for MRI, which enables whole-body scans to be performed in under 100 seconds. For CT, the DELTA algorithm supports high-quality scans with 80% lower radiation dose, while in PET/CT HYPER DLR boosts signal to noise by 42%.
- Canon Highlights MRI, US, and CT at ECR: New developments in MRI, ultrasound, and CT lung cancer screening were top highlights in the Canon Medical Systems booth at ECR 2025. Vantage Galan 3T Supreme edition is Canon’s new high-end MRI platform, featuring a next-generation magnet with high homogeneity and stability and Canon reconstruction protocols like AiCE and PIQE. Aplio beyond is a new shared-service ultrasound scanner for multiple applications, including cardiac and women’s imaging. In CT, Canon highlighted a lung cancer screening offering with CT Hybrid Elite, a package built around its Aquilion Serve SP CT scanner.
- Mach7 Launches AWS-Based Viewer: Mach7 Technologies released cloud-based medical image viewer software running on the Amazon Web Services platform. Mach7 announced its relationship with AWS last year, and the launch of eUnity Enterprise Diagnostic Viewer is the outcome of that relationship. The cloud-based viewer gives clinicians rapid access to patient studies across the healthcare enterprise regardless of where they were acquired or are being stored.
- Esaote ECR Product Launches: At last week’s ECR 2025 meeting, Esaote highlighted a new line of compact ultrasound scanners, as well as new AI software for their MRI systems and a cloud-native PACS viewer. The C-Series of ultrasound scanners includes the MyLab C30 and C25 systems that combine portability with Esaote’s Augmented Insight AI technology, while e-SPADES is a new AI-powered reconstruction platform for MRI that reduces exam time by 60%. Finally, Esaote’s EBIT group launched Suitestensa ZEfiRO, a cloud-native zero-footprint PACS viewer.
- Ziosoft Earns CE Mark: Advanced visualization software developer Ziosoft received the CE Mark for new clinical applications with its Revoras software. The new applications include lung and liver surgical planning visualization, creating 3D models designed to help surgeons and radiologists with preoperative planning. New functions include automated segmentation, quantification, and image analysis.
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Synoptic Reporting of Liver Masses
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound exams for focal liver lesions can be challenging to report in at-risk patients. Learn how Kailo Medical’s synoptic reporting solutions can make reporting easier while improving LI-RADS categorization.
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Visit AGFA at HIMSS 2025
AGFA HealthCare will be showcasing its latest innovations in cloud-based enterprise imaging at the upcoming HIMSS 2025 conference in Las Vegas. Schedule a visit to AGFA’s booth #5027 to see how the company is reshaping and simplifying medical image management.
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The Leader in Molecular Imaging
United Imaging’s uMI portfolio of solutions is designed to help you lead the way in molecular imaging. From digital PET/CT systems designed to stand the test of time to the cutting-edge uEXPLORER total-body PET scanner, discover the uMI difference today.
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- The Future of SmartTechnology: SmartTechnology is DeepHealth’s solution for bringing informatics and imaging systems closer together by embedding informatics into hardware, creating completely new workflows. Learn how it works in this interview with CTO Sham Sokka.
- AI and Neuroradiology Workflow: How can AI add value to workflows in neuroradiology? Watch this on-demand video to learn from Blackford partners how AI can help, from assisting providers in managing acute stroke patients to the impact of CPT III codes in driving adoption of brain volumetric AI solutions.
- Engage Patients with Image Access and Insights: Learn how to improve patient engagement with seamless image exchange, image enable your portal, and improve follow-up compliance. Book a demo with PocketHealth at HIMSS.
- Overcoming Data Incompatibilities: Mergers and acquisitions can create data integration challenges for healthcare providers. Learn how the merger of Enlitic and Laitek can help your practice through their cutting-edge solutions that lead to successful data migrations.
- How to Standardize CT Images: The quality and appearance of CT scans can vary considerably. In this white paper from Riverain Technologies, find out how image normalization can standardize CT images, making them easier to analyze and interpret.
- Time to Address Radiologist Burnout and Inefficient Workflows: Mach7’s new UnityVue radiology solution is a comprehensive reading platform combining enterprise imaging, workflow orchestration, AI-driven decision support, and the tools your team needs to thrive. See for yourself on March 26 in a live product demonstration by the Mach7 team.
- Feel the Freedom of Helium-Free MRI: Lift limitations and experience MRI excellence with Philips BlueSeal, the industry’s lightest, vent pipe-free, high-performance, helium-free 1.5T scanner. Save on helium and energy costs, achieve precise AI-enhanced diagnoses, enjoy faster scans, and optimized workflows. Learn more today.
- Clarity, Speed, and Confidence for MRI Efficiency: Radiologists have used a variety of methods to improve efficiency, but many of these methods come with drawbacks. Find out in this article how SpinTech MRI takes on the challenge of MRI efficiency with its STAGE software.
- Discover AI Apps Curated by Body Regions: Discover how Calantic Digital Solutions by Bayer supports you in tackling radiology challenges through multiple stages of the patient’s journey by offering AI solutions curated for specific body regions. Learn more about Calantic today.
- AI for Hip Morphology Assessment: A new study validates the accuracy of Gleamer’s BoneMetrics AI solution for hip and pelvic assessment. BoneMetrics turned in high levels of accuracy and reproducibility – find out how it can simplify your daily and routine measurements.
- Catch What You’ve Missed on Unboxing AI: Missed an episode of Unboxing AI, CARPL’s video series on AI in radiology? Check out all the past episodes on their YouTube channel.
- Seamless, Connected Healthcare: Clearpath is committed to facilitating seamless, continued healthcare by optimizing automation and workflows between patients and providers. Learn how the company’s solutions contribute to a healthcare environment where every step of the patient journey is connected and efficient.
- Say Goodbye to On-Premises Costs: Free up resources with cloud-based solutions from Optum for medical imaging. Visit this page to see how you can say goodbye to on-premises costs!
- Answers in Sight at HIMSS 2025: Join Intelerad at HIMSS 2025 to explore how they are redefining healthcare imaging with innovative solutions designed to provide a clear path to answers. Book a meeting today or drop by at booth #1048.
- Digital Tools for Heart Failure: Clinicians have a growing array of digital tools for assessing patients with suspected heart failure. A new review article in Lancet Digital Health takes stock of some of the options, including echo AI tools like those from Us2.ai.
- Intelligent Imaging Ensures Efficient Workflow: Learn how intelligent imaging can help address challenges in radiography workflow – such as higher workloads and fewer staff – in this downloadable white paper from Siemens Healthineers.
- Get the 2024 Radiology Practice Development Report: Medality surveyed more than 3,300 radiologists and discovered the most critical training gaps and growth opportunities in radiology for its 2024 Radiology Practice Development Report. Download your complimentary report today.
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