For people at high risk of developing breast cancer, yearly mammograms may not be enough to detect tumors early. An MIT team has developed portable detectors based on ultrasound, allowing for more frequent early diagnoses. In a new paper, the team reports improved resolution in the images produced by their system, making it easier to spot potential tumors, cysts, and microcalcifications.
The researchers also created a user interface that simplifies the use of the ultrasound probe, even for those without expertise in ultrasonography. They believe this system could enable earlier detection and allow for long-term monitoring following breast cancer treatment, either in a doctor's office or at home. "At each time interval, the computer interface guides you to position the device in exactly the same location, which is important for longitudinal monitoring of a given tissue. It’s very intuitive and quite easy to use," says Canan Dagdeviren, an associate professor at MIT and the senior author of the study.
While many receive annual mammograms, interval cancers can develop between screenings, which tend to be more aggressive and account for 20 to 30 percent of all breast cancer cases. Motivated by a personal loss in 2015, Dagdeviren aimed to develop a more effective screening technique for women with dense breast tissue. She chose ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create tissue images. Current ultrasound technology requires large equipment and trained operators.
Earlier this year, Dagdeviren’s lab demonstrated a small ultrasound probe attached to an acquisition and processing module slightly larger than a smartphone, capable of creating a 3D image of the entire breast by scanning just two or three locations. In the new Nature Communications study, several advancements were reported for higher resolution imaging and ease of use. A key advancement is the addition of a "backing layer" to the ultrasound transducer, which helps contain and focus ultrasound waves, improving image resolution and quality while reducing acoustical and electrical noise.
Additionally, the researchers designed an algorithm that adaptively performs beamforming to compensate for differences in sound wave speeds through various tissues. "We see up to a 10 percent improvement in resolution just by applying this technique," says lead author Shrihari Viswanath. In trials, volunteers not trained in ultrasound technology were able to locate small micro targets embedded in a tissue phantom more successfully with the new system compared to traditional probes.
The researchers also created a user-friendly interface displayed on a computer screen, guiding users to place the probe correctly. This is crucial for tracking treatment progress or monitoring known abnormalities. In a trial with seven participants, users consistently placed the probe accurately during scans. Future versions may integrate with mobile devices, increasing portability.
The technology could make ultrasound more accessible in areas lacking trained technicians. Dagdeviren and her students aim to commercialize this technology, initially targeting breast cancer diagnosis but hoping to expand its application to other areas such as ovarian cancer and fetal monitoring.
Blogger's Review: This research showcases the immense potential of ultrasound technology in the early detection of breast cancer, particularly through innovations in portability and user-friendliness, which could significantly lower the barriers to screening in resource-limited areas. With commercialization on the horizon, it has the potential to transform breast cancer screening practices.