HALO Diagnostics and Ikonopedia have announced a genetic testing partnership to improve breast cancer detection and outcomes. Under the deal, Ikonopedia’s proprietary mammography software will be used for “one-click” radiology reporting and follow-up tracking, when it is integrated with HALO’s genetic lab and precision diagnostic software services.
The two companies expect their approach will drive a 40% increase in compliance for follow-up breast imaging, aiding early detection, and less invasive treatment.
“HALO and Ikonopedia’s goals for early detection and personalized treatment are incredibly well aligned. We’re excited to partner with a forward-thinking, precision diagnostics company to enable broader access to genetic testing and improved follow up,” said Emily Crane, CEO & president of Ikonopedia.
This is the latest in several partnerships with diagnostics specialists HALO has inked recently. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Incell DX over prostate and bladder cancers, with Genomic Testing Cooperative over early cancer detection, Scionti Prostate Center for comprehensive men’s care including prostate treatment, and Precision Imaging Centers for personalized healthcare in Northeast Florida.
HALO seeks to reshape “the healthcare ecosystem by integrating advanced imaging, digital pathology, molecular genomics, and predictive analytics under one roof, in a lower-cost, outpatient setting,” according to a recent press release. The company is currently focused on prostate cancer, breast cancer, cardiac disease, lung disease, and dementia. They report that they currently serve one million patients, a number they expect to triple by 2024.
According to HALO, only one in five women appropriate for hereditary cancer testing are offered the option.Without integrated genetic testing and supplemental breast MRI, they say, traditional imaging centers miss two-out-of-three cancers in high-risk women. Further, mammograms have lagged during the pandemic.
They point out that with early detection, over 99% of breast cancer patients survive at least five years. Nearly all patients (97%) with positive genetic test results follow additional screening recommendations. Finally, cancer detection increases threefold with supplemental breast MRI screening in high-risk women.
The joint offering aims to maximize identification of patient risk by using the Tyrer-Cuzick breast cancer risk evaluation tool, HALO’s Hereditary Gene Panel, and HALO’s Polygenic Risk Score. The partnership provides radiology centers with Halo’s proprietary genetic lab and precision diagnostic software services with integrated genetic counseling, and a dedicated onsite lab liaison. Intake integration, auto eligibility checks, auto lab ordering, and lab processing are part of the process, as well as a comprehensive precision diagnostic report, including recommended follow-up imaging for patients identified as high risk for breast cancer.
Ikonopedia has developed a cloud-based structured breast reporting and MQSA management system designed to “improve reporting efficiency and optimize facility operations.” The company says its approach helps it prevent errors, maintain BI-RADS-compliant language, and automate time-consuming processes.
Through the collaboration, Ikonopedia’s integrated risk assessment tool will identify patients eligible for hereditary testing. When medically indicated, physicians will place an order for HALO’s proprietary Women’s Health Precision Diagnostic suite, which combines advanced imaging, a risk calculator, and genetic test results to identify patients who may benefit from additional supplemental breast cancer screening and management.
