iCAD, Inc. (Nasdaq: ICAD), an industry-leading provider of Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) solutions for the early identification of cancer, commented on an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine entitled, “Influence of Computer Aided Detection on Performance of Screening.” CAD uses sophisticated algorithms to identify areas of interest on a mammography film, acting as a “second set of eyes” for the radiologist.
In response to the article, the Company states that numerous peer-reviewed published studies confirm that CAD technology finds more cancers earlier, a point which remains undisputed.
The Company notes that the authors of this study evaluated results from the use of older versions of CAD software released to the market five to nine years ago. Over the last several years, there have been considerable advancements made to CAD technology and more specifically in its sensitivity to finding cancer and reducing false positives. Additionally in that time, more than 25 published studies evaluating CAD technology have demonstrated the benefits of the technology in improving the detection of cancer. Today, CAD is considered standard of care and is widely adopted in the fast growing digital mammography market.
“The Company continues to stay focused on our mission to offer superior CAD solutions to help radiologists provide the best care for their patients,” said Ken Ferry, CEO of iCAD. “iCAD’s technology is an important screening tool in the early detection of breast cancer. Advancements in digital mammography, extensive published data and broad adoption of iCAD’s solutions all confirm the benefits of CAD technology.”
“Having used CAD with mammography on a regular basis for more than a decade, and having witnessed the evolution of this technology, I believe strongly that it is critical to take into account the nature of CAD at the time of this evaluation. Over the past seven years, significant advancements have been made to CAD technology. It is nearly impossible to compare today’s CAD systems with those evaluated in the NEJM report,” said Rachel Brem, M.D., Professor and Vice Chairman of Radiology and Director of Breast Imaging and Intervention at the George Washington University Medical Center, and a member of iCAD’s board of directors. “It is paramount that this data also be considered in the context of the many studies conducted on CAD in recent years, which strongly support the value of the technology in detecting early curable breast cancers.”