A comprehensive imaging solution for dense breast cancer screening and diagnostics

Project Summary Our overarching goal in this project is the development and evaluation of a stand-alone breast cancer image device that facilitates more rapid, effective, and definitive cancer detection and diagnosis in dense breast women. The device being developed is based upon our proprietary Narrow-Beam Computed Tomography (CT) technology—an image acquisition architecture that fundamentally differs from existing CT designs. The key advantage of this technology is its ability to deliver three-dimensional images in high spatial resolution that are nearly free of contamination from scatter, at low levels of dose deemed safe for breast cancer screening applications, without any breast compression. The system’s unique ability to yield high quality, fully tomographic (3-dimensional) spectral data makes possible the delivery of detailed, time- based, diagnostic information that may allow for effective identification of malignant cancers in all women, but specifically in women with dense breast tissue. The specific aims of this project include developing a time-based image reconstruction to further increase the temporal resolution of the system without extending required scan time. Validation of the developed methodology is through a hybrid 4D anthropomorphic flow phantom developed collaboratively with our partner laboratory. Another focus of this project is gaining insight into the clinical viability of our solution through a first in patient retrospective pilot study. Upon completion of this project’s aims, we will have a device for large-scale in-patient prospective studies.