Detection of Breast Cancer with Ultrasound Tomography: First Results with the Computed Ultrasound Risk Evaluation (C.U.R.E) Prototype.

 

Nebojsa Duric 1, PhD, Peter Littrup1, MD, Lou Poulo2, MSc, Alex Babkin3, PhD, Roman Pevzner, PhD4, Earle Holsapple1, BA, Olsi Rama1, Carri Glide1

 

1 Karmanos Cancer Institute, 110 East Warren, Hudson-Webber Cancer Research Center, Room 4246, Detroit MI 48201

2 Analogic Corporation, Peabody MA 01960

3 Groupvelocity, LLC, Albuquerque NM 87131

4 DECO Geophysical, Moscow, Russia

 

 

 

 

Abstract

 

Although mammography is the gold standard for breast imaging, its limitations result in a high rate of biopsies of benign lesions and a significant false negative rate for women with dense breasts. In response to this imaging performance gap we have been developing a clinical breast imaging methodology based on the principles of ultrasound tomography. The Computed Ultrasound Risk Evaluation (CURE) system has been designed with the clinical goals of whole breast, operator-independent imaging and differentiation of breast masses. This paper describes the first clinical prototype, summarizes our initial image reconstruction techniques and presents phantom and preliminary in vivo results.

 

In an initial assessment of its in vivo performance, we have examined 50 women with the CURE prototype and obtained the following results.

 

-               Tomographic imaging of breast architecture is demonstrated in both CURE modes of reflection and transmission imaging.

-               In-plane spatial resolution of 0.5 mm in reflection and 4 mm in transmission is achieved.

-               Masses > 15 mm in size are routinely detected.

-               16 out of 18 primary cancers are detected, ranging in size from 8 mm to 4 cm.

-               Reflection, sound speed and attenuation imaging of breast masses are demonstrated.

 

These initial results indicate that operator-independent, whole-breast imaging and the detection of breast masses is feasible. Future studies will focus on improved detection and differentiation of masses in support of our long term goal of increasing the specificity of breast exams, thereby reducing the number of biopsies of benign masses.