Breast Density Monitoring: Why It Matters
Sona: Pioneering a new Era in Breast health with Ultrasound Innovation
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Current breast cancer screening methods are falling short, with opportunities for improved monitoring, early detection, and service planning being missed. A new approach is emerging from the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) with the prospective spinout, Sona, developing a compact, ultrasound-based device poised to revolutionise breast tissue assessment.
Addressing the Limitations of Current Screening
Breast screening largely relies on mammography, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach with known limitations. Women with dense breast tissue,and those considered average risk,often face challenges with accuracy and accessibility.Sona aims to address these shortcomings by delivering a safe, consistent, and accessible way to assess breast density – and crucially, without the pain associated with mammograms.
The Science Behind Sona’s Technology
Sona’s innovation is rooted in measurement science. The device utilises ultrasound to extract quantitative measurements of breast tissue composition, directly linked to breast density. This technology builds upon over a decade of rigorous research at NPL,incorporating patent-protected sensor innovation and novel measurement methods.
Tho, technical prowess is only part of the equation. Sona is committed to a co-design process,actively consulting with both women and clinicians to ensure the device is not only accurate but also agreeable and simple to use. This collaborative approach aims to deliver reliable measurements quickly, while remaining sensitive to the needs of patients.
From Lab to Life: Advancement and Future Use
Currently in the preclinical stage, Sona’s working prototypes are undergoing refinement in readiness for first-in-human testing. Core components have been successfully demonstrated in the lab, and the team is collaborating with NHS partners to initiate healthy volunteer studies. These studies will focus on assessing both the performance and usability of the system, paving the way for larger-scale clinical trials.
The development is being actively supported by the Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) and the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), accelerating the transition from research to real-world request. This support encompasses both the advancement of the device itself and navigating the complex clinical and regulatory pathways.Looking ahead, Sona envisions its system being deployed by trained healthcare staff – including nurses, screening practitioners, and primary care teams - in community-based settings. This broader accessibility aims to support earlier, safer, and more inclusive breast health assessment, particularly for women currently underserved by existing pathways.
A Personalised Approach to Breast Cancer Risk
Sona’s technology promises a shift towards a personalised, risk-adaptive screening program. By identifying women at higher risk or with dense breast tissue from an earlier age, through accessible measurement outside of a hospital setting, proactive monitoring and tailored screening can be implemented.
The device’s small size, low cost, and potential for operator-independence open doors to deployment in community settings and earlier intervention. This is particularly impactful for groups often underrepresented in current screening services,including younger women and those in underserved areas.
Ultimately, Sona’s technology isn’t intended to replace existing imaging methods, but to complement them. By providing consistent and accessible measurement of breast tissue properties, it can support more personalised screening pathways and contribute to earlier identification of those at increased risk – helping to close critical gaps in detection and improve outcomes for all women.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 23rd edition of our quarterly publication.