ZumaTek, Inc.

Researchers at Duke Medical Center have developed a platform of innovative, patient friendly breast scanners designed to detect subtle changes in breast cells before a tumor that could be detected using physical examination or X-ray mammography has had the chance to develop. These researchers have founded ZumaTek for the purpose of commercializing this promising technology. The scanners identify tumors in a patient's uncompressed breast by using either or combined (a) nuclear medicine to detect chemical changes in breast cells that are associated with malignancy and/or (b) low dose x-rays to collect CT images of the breast and provide a road-map pinpointing the suspected malignancy in 3D. The device has undergone extensive proof of concept testing and advanced prototypes are available. Earlier detection and intervention means patients have an improved chance of survival, and overall decreased burden on the healthcare landscape.