The advent of adjunctive imaging modalities such as MRI, nuclear breast imaging, and automated biopsy are supplementing mammography’s role as the gold standard in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, according to a report published by market research firm Frost & Sullivan of San Jose, CA.
Frost said that U.S. revenues in the industry totaled $22 million in 2002 and are projected to reach $64.7 million by 2010.
The firm noted that significant reimbursement issues for nuclear imaging, breast MRI, and emerging technologies such as laser tomography and clinical thermography are limiting market penetration. The need to create a compelling case to be reimbursed is keeping many physicians from undertaking these procedures at all, Frost said.
According to Frost & Sullivan research analyst Antonio Garcia, lobbying for the establishment of secured reimbursement streams for adjunctive technologies must be viewed as an important part of the overall campaign to create growth opportunities in the market.
The report, North American Adjunctive Breast Imaging and Automated Biopsy Equipment Markets, said that manufacturers also have to contend with the increasing closure of breast imaging facilities due to financial difficulties as well as the widespread perception among clinicians that traditional mammography, perhaps combined with ultrasound for radiodense breasts, is sufficient for the early detection of cancer.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersDecember 9, 2003
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