Characterization of a Test for Invasive Breast Cancer Using X-Ray Diffraction of Hair—Results of a Clinical Trial

The study assessed a test for breast cancer using synchrotron x-ray diffraction analysis of scalp hair in a double-blinded clinical trial involving 1,796 women in Australia. The hair-based assay demonstrated an overall accuracy of over 77% and a negative predictive value of 99%. While the sensitivity of both mammography and x-ray diffraction alone was 64%, their combined use increased sensitivity to 86%. For women under 70, the hair test sensitivity was 74%. The study confirmed the association between breast cancer and altered hair fibre x-ray diffraction patterns, suggesting that mammography and hair x-ray diffraction detect different cancer populations and are more effective when used together.