Lisa Isaacs
A LOCALLY developed machine which combines digital mammography and ultrasound technology has been hailed as a breakthrough innovation for the international health sector and the fight against breast cancer.
On Thursday, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel and Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor attended a demonstration of a CapeRay imaging system at Groote Schuur Hospital.
The machine has been developed for the early detection of breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue.
Called Aceso, it is controlled with an iPad and, in a matter of minutes, results appear on a large screen, overlaying the different types of scans. It costs about R3.5 million, more than half the cost of X-ray and ultrasound machines.
The development, in the works for five years, has been supported financially by both departments.
It will now undergo further trials with 20 breast cancer patients and 50 healthy volunteers. The trial starts next month.
If all goes well, the machine can be on the market, locally and internationally, by June.
“Normally what you need to do is to have a separate X-ray and separate ultrasound. That could take about 90 minutes.
“With this system you can do four views in 10 minutes, so we can see many more patients,” said Kit Vaughan, of CapeRay.
He added that the machine would cut costs, as the X-ray and ultrasound machines costs about R10 million.
“By combining the two technologies, you have a higher chance of diagnosing cancer. If you pick up breast cancer early, the woman has a much higher chance of a successful outcome and lower cost in terms of treatment,” Vaughan said.
Patel said: “It’s a big challenge for government to ensure that particularly women from poor communities and working class areas have access to screening facilities.
“We see opportunities both in the South African market and in global markets.
“Globally this market is worth R40 to R50 billion. It provides a better quality of life for South Africans and (if) it conquers global markets, it can create jobs in South Africa.”
Pandor said the machine showed excellent signs of local innovation by local researchers and technologists, particularly in the clinical sciences where South Africa shows global leadership.
“For women this development is important. For health professionals it is a vital intervention to support their work,” she said.
@lisa_isaacs