Department of Biochemistry

Brian Sprague, Ph.D., professor of surgery, biochemistry, and radiology

(AUGUST 6, 2024) Researchers led by Brian Sprague, Ph.D., professor of surgery, biochemistry, and radiology, found that women at elevated risk of invasive or advanced breast cancer according to established risk prediction models had high supplemental cancer detection rates on ultrasound screening after a negative mammogram, with a moderate positive predictive value of biopsy, AuntMinnie.com reported.

Their study, published August 6 in Radiology, found that supplemental breast ultrasound may have utility in imaging women with dense breasts and high risk of advanced or invasive breast cancer.

“These findings can help breast imagers estimate the expected outcomes of supplemental ultrasound screening according to a woman’s risk level and assist in determining which women with dense breasts may be good candidates for supplemental ultrasound screening after a negative mammogram … The results will inform policymakers and healthcare providers as they consider supplemental screening recommendations,” Sprague told AuntMinnie.com.