Ultrasound is an important tool for evaluating suspicious breast lesions. However, benign and malignant findings can look similar. As a result, many women undergo biopsies that ultimately show no cancer—an invasive procedure associated with anxiety and distress.

Shear-wave elastography additionally measures tissue stiffness. As malignant tumors are often stiffer, this technique can improve diagnostic assessment, but interpretation is complex and varies between patients.

The scientists therefore developed an AI-based method that automatically analyzes elastography images. In international studies, the model detected breast cancer with high sensitivity while substantially reducing unnecessary biopsies.

The Else Kröner Memorial Fellowship will allow, for the first time, to prospectively evaluate this approach in routine clinical practice. The goal is to maintain safe cancer detection while helping women with benign findings avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.