OPPORTUNITY

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women. In 2014, in the US, approximately 40,000 women died from breast cancer. The situation is much more serious in developing countries. Early detection and effective treatment are major factors contributing to the long term survival of the patient. Mammography is the current standard for breast cancer detection. Although mammography has led to a decrease in mortality rates, false positive rates between 60%-70% and false negative rates of over 15% allows significant room for improvement. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can improve the accuracy of diagnosis. But MRI is not cost effective or portable as a mass screening tool. On the other hand, ultrasound imaging has high false positive rates, requires skilled practitioners, and has not shown to reduce mortality rates.

BREAKTHROUGH IN EARLY STAGE BREAST CANCER DETECTION

Researchers at the University of South Alabama are developing a portable, comfortable, and easy to use medical imaging device for early stage breast cancer detection. Existing microwave imaging based systems cannot detect breast cancer tumors with diameters less than 20 mm. Currently, available breast thermography systems based on infrared technology cannot provide satisfactory breast images for early stage cancer detection. The proposed device utilizes complementary features of microwave imaging, infrared sensing, novel high-performance antennas, and smart image processing algorithms in a highly integrated environment ensuring higher specificity and sensitivity to detect malignant tumors with diameters as small as 4 mm. This device can also serve as a complementary imaging tool and it can be used along with X-ray mammography or magnetic resonance imaging modalities to lower the breast cancer related mortality rate among women. The proposed device is inherently suitable for mass screening applications. We are currently seeking an industry partner to finalize the functioning prototype and conduct validation studies.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

•  Detection of early stage breast cancer

•  Complementary to existing imaging modalities

•  Portable

•  Low-Cost

•  Comfortable

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

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