This study aims to evaluate the role of Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) in identifying the primary tumor site in patients presenting with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) syndrome. By integrating functional and anatomical imaging, the study explores CEM's diagnostic value compared to standard imaging modalities in a single-center setting.
The study of CUP syndrome was conducted with MRI, but we propose the study with CEM
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
350
The intervention in this study involves Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM), a specialized imaging technique that combines standard mammography with contrast-enhanced imaging to detect neo-angiogenesis, which is a characteristic of malignancy. Unlike traditional mammography, CEM utilizes both low-energy and high-energy images to provide enhanced visualization of tissue vascularity, aiding in the identification of occult primary tumors, particularly in patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) syndrome. Patients who present with CUP syndrome, suspected of having a primary breast malignancy, will undergo CEM as part of their diagnostic workup. The CEM findings will be compared with other conventional imaging modalities, including ultrasound and MRI, to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CEM in detecting primary breast tumors. The intervention will also involve correlating the imaging results with histopathological findings from biopsy or surgical specimens. This study aims to demons
Link Campus University
Rome, Italy
Detection Rate of Primary Tumors using Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) in Patients with CUP Syndrome
The primary outcome of this study is the detection rate of primary tumors in patients presenting with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) syndrome using Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM). The detection rate will be determined by comparing the CEM findings with histopathological results from biopsies or surgical specimens. This will allow us to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CEM in identifying occult primary tumors, particularly in the context of breast cancer.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 months
Sensitivity, Specificity, and Diagnostic Accuracy of CEM compared to Standard Imaging Modalities (Ultrasound, MRI, Mammography)
This secondary outcome aims to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of CEM in detecting primary tumors compared to other conventional imaging techniques, including ultrasound, MRI, and standard mammography. These metrics will be analyzed to determine the relative effectiveness of CEM as a diagnostic tool.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 months
Correlation of CEM Findings with Histopathological Results
This measure aims to correlate the CEM findings with the histopathological results from biopsy or surgical specimens. This will assess how well the CEM images match the final diagnosis of primary tumors based on tissue analysis.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 months
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