Microwave Imaging Systems Technology was founded in 1995 by Dr. Keith Paulsen and Dr. Paul Meaney of the Thayer School of Engineering and has developed a microwave-based, breast imaging system which aims to provide high-contrast images for breast cancer diagnostics. Per the company, the NIH has invested more than $6 million to develop and demonstrate the MIST system for tumor imaging. The company reports that testing on more than 150 patients has shown excellent detection of breast tumors.

FMI Medical Systems is developing ultra high resolution PET/CT/SPECT diagnostic imaging systems combined with drugs and molecular tracers for earliest detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's, neurodegenerative disorders, and head and neck cancers and breast cancer.

Orison Corporation was founded to design, manufacture and market a ultrasound technology platform for early breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Orison's technology aims to utilize Full Field Digital Ultrasound (FDDU) as an enabler that aims to allow the radiologist, for a time, to view breast tissue in a three dimensional environment. The outcome is earlier detection of breast cancer prior to metastasis, resulting in greater five-year survival rates and decreased treatment costs.

Seno Medical was formed to commercialize a new modality in cancer screening and diagnosis: laser opto-acoustic imaging. Unlike most screening techniques, which rely on anatomical imaging, Seno's goal is to bring functional imaging that can detect angiogenesis to the marketplace. Products for use with humans, focusing initially on breast cancer, are also in development for subsequent testing. Seno's patented technology integrates the use of lasers and acoustics to determine the presence of angiogenesis - the growth of blood vessels and higher blood volume that always surrounds a tumor. Per the company, unlike anatomical imaging techniques, such as mammography, laser opto-acoustic imaging can detect breast cancer, for example, at its earliest clinically stage (2 mm. versus 10 mm. with mammography) without patient discomfort or exposure to harmful x-ray.

MediSpectra, Inc. is a medical device company developing optical detection technology for enhanced accuracy and real-time results in the detection of cancer and other human tissue abnormalities. The technology is based on multimodal optical interrogation of tissue with light. Specifically, a combination of native fluorescence and white light backscatter spectroscopies are coupled with video imaging methods to more accurately detect tissue abnormalities. nnThe company's first product, the LUMA Cervical Imaging System, was designed and developed to improve the detection of high-grade pre-cancerous cervical abnormalities that have the potential of becoming invasive cancer. The LUMA product is intended for use as an adjunct to colposcopy in identifying high grade disease (CIN 2/3+) in patients referred to colposcopy with an ASCUS, LSIL or HSIL+ cervical cytology test result. n

Micrima is a Bristol-based company developing a safe, low-cost system to improve the detection of breast cancer. The imaging system captures high-resolution, 3D images through the use of harmless radio waves. The safe, low-cost system enables women of all ages to be screened for breast cancer in GP surgeries, or alternative high street locations, with results that are now comparable with traditional X-ray mammograms.