More accurate diagnoses
The fight against breast cancer: this start-up employs artificial intelligence

They hurt, are unpleasant, and sometimes they're simply not definitive as a diagnostic tool. But until now, mammograms have been the best method of prevention when it comes to the early detection of breast cancer. During the x-ray, the breasts are carefully pulled away from the body and pressed flat between two pieces of plexiglass. Not every breast is suited to this type of examination, however. When there is very dense tissue, silicone implants or benign tumours, it can be difficult for radiologists to determine whether anything has changed.

The research team at the University Hospital Zurich are addressing this problem. They are backing artificial intelligence (AI), and would like to use it to close a gap in breast cancer care. "The b-rayZ approach is that radiologists analyse the breast image data with the help of an algorithm. As a result, the diagnostic quality of the image is significantly increased, allowing personalised diagnostic strategies to be drawn up that are perfectly tailored to individual patients," explained Dr Cristina Rossi, CEO of b-rayZ.

Proven accuracy of 93%

The physicist and data analyst founded the start-up in 2019 together with Dr Alexander Ciritsis and Prof. Andreas Boss. The company now operates as an independent spin-off from the University Hospital Zurich. "Our solution is important," explained Dr Rossi emphatically. "When the breast tissue is dense, the clinical accuracy of the mammogram is just about 48%." Many radiologists are unsure whether more extensive examinations are required in such cases. "We provide the necessary help with decision-making, ad we've been able to achieve a proven accuracy of 93%."

The Zurich-based company has already completed the first phase of testing. The company has collected 2 000 000 data sets, and was involved in the examination of 35 000 patients. The company has also already published eight peer-reviewed studies in the most important radiological specialist journals that confirm the validity of the technology. From this empirical experience, Dr Rossi knows that "We are 30% faster than the conventional process." b-rayZ has developed the b-box, a device that can be directly connected to the mammogram scanner and can analyse the data in real time.

"Every women deserves an error-free diagnosis."

Dr Rossi is working to fight breast cancer with complete conviction. For many years, she worked alongside trained radiology specialists and witnessed how these individuals were committed every day to doing the right thing for patients. "But how they were feeling that day and their workload can affect their performance. If a mistake occurs, then that's critical for the patient. I want to prevent that," she explained. "With b-rayZ, we are working to tailore the diagnosis perfectly to the patient. Every woman deserves an error-free diagnosis."

b-rayZ is already working on the next important steps. "We want to develop an ecosystem of solutions that accompany the patient journey," commented Dr Rossi. This would not just involve individual checks, but would also support the patient over a longer period of time in preventive care. "To achieve this goal, we have launched strategic collaborations with large, innovative companies."

Prevention is important to SWICA

Preventive care or check-ups are also an important topic for SWICA. These are not generally covered by mandatory health insurance (OKP). SWICA, however, covers the costs of these exams under its COMPLETA TOP and OPTIMA supplementary insurance plans. This includes mammograms. For women with an increased risk of breast cancer, SWICA covers 90% of the costs for women aged 30 and over.

* Cristina Rossi is originally from Italy, studied physics in Rome, and has a PhD in biophysics. She is a university lecturer for radiology at UZH. She lives with her family and cat in Zurich.