During the last annual meeting of SSBE in Neuchatel, Switzerland, there was an interesting talk about a project called CURE, an undergoing study at the Karmanos Cancer institute,Detroit(USA). The talk was given by Prof. Neb Duric.
Here is a summary of Cure project:
C.U.R.E.: Computed Ultrasound Risk Evaluation
The project is an attempt to image breast, based on the interaction of acoustic waves with human tissue.
It is known that the relative risk of developing breast cancer is dependent on breast density. However, since x-ray mammography has poor sensitivity in dense breasts, the reliance on mammography to measure density has prevented expanded adoption of breast density as a risk factor. The ultrasound tomography provides a safe and alternative measure for assessing beast cancer risk and for identifying high risk groups.
Ultrasound tomography does not use ionizing radiation and does not compress the breast. For those who have already been subject to mamography, it is clear that squeasing the breast to bring it to an almost 2D state, is really painful. This approach would provide a potentially more specific alternative to mammography.
For more information about the project, take a look at this reference, where one should find even a nice powerpoint file.There are more information available on results of the project as well.
3 comments:
This method has not been approved by the FDA as an alternative to mammography. I believe that it is too soon to be introducing such ideas to the public. This gives women false hope that they may never have to have another mammogram. As a member of the medical profession, I am not convinced that this method of imaging can adaquately visualize microcalcifications in the breast, a known sign of an early breast cancer. I do however believe that this could possibly be a partner for mammography in the future for women with highly dense breast tissue. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment Heather, as I mentioned , this is an undergoing project that seemed interesting to me. In this blog, I write mostly about research on bimedical eng. and I think that readers of my blog are aware that not ANY research will end up to application.
Furthermore, I think that there is nothing wrong about giving hope to women. For sure, the method needs more work to get accepted or rejected. but this is a part of research. maybe out of 1000 project, one ends up to the market. I totally understand that as a member of the medical profession, you just rely on well established FDA approved technics, that's for sure what makes the medicine reliable. But the responsibility of researchers is taking risks to push the borders of science further. Some would work or some would not. I appreciate your concern and thanks again for your message.
It's a very blog and you got a rich and colorful experience.Thanks for sharing so many useful information.
Best wishes!
Post a Comment