- 43% improvement in sensitivity over standard gamma cameras for lesions under 1 cm
- Ability to determine lesion location
- Capability to accurately resolve lesions as small as 3mm
This breakthrough technology in breast cancer detection is the result of cooperative science and medical research across multiple facilities, scientists and physicians. A physics group at Jefferson Lab created the high-resolution detector used by the Dilon 6800, and then Dilon led commercial development of this gamma technology into the state-of-the-art diagnostic tool it is today. Early clinical research was conducted at the University of Virginia and successful patient studies followed at the Johns Hopkins and George Washington University Medical Centers.
The Dilon 6800 has FDA 510(K) authorization and is approved as a general purpose gamma camera.
Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) with the Dilon 6800 has been tested extensively at some of the country's top institutions. Clinical testing of the Dilon 6800 gamma camera has returned results that demonstrate the efficacy of the imaging process; and more importantly, how the high-resolution camera optimizes breast imaging by providing a superior image acquisition tool. The following institutions have been involved in the research:
The initial study at George Washington University Medical Center imaged over 300 patients, with a particular focus on high-risk women with dense breast tissue. The Dilon 6800 demonstrated improved diagnostic capability, often identifying cancers undetected by mammogram or ultrasound. Results were shared at the RSNA meeting in December 2003.
The Johns Hopkins Medical Center study concluded with 50 patients who had been imaged on both a conventional large field-of-view gamma camera, and the small field-of-view Dilon 6800 gamma camera. As a result of this early work, it was determined that the Dilon system could detect significantly smaller cancers than a traditional gamma camera- as small as 3mm; and provide the same views as mammography for the added benefit of direct correlation between the two imaging modalities. The Dilon 6800 demonstrated superior sensitivity in the detection of these smaller lesions due to its maneuverable and anatomic-specific detector.