Have you thought about what it would be like if early detection of breast cancer was more accessible and less invasive? What if you could monitor your breast health without having to book an annual mammogram? A team of researchers from MIT could make all of this possible.
Researchers have developed an innovative ultrasonic patch, designed to fit comfortably inside a bra, giving women a revolutionary way to monitor their health.
The need for early diagnosis
Breast cancer is a major health concern globally. Second the report "Global Cancer Statistics 2020", new cases of cancer in the world were around 19,3 million. Of these, female breast cancer accounted for 11,7% of new diagnoses, with 2,3 million of new cases estimated in 2020, making it the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally. Data that underline the importance of research and development of new therapies to combat this disease.
The limits of traditional mammography
The most common method of testing for potential breast cancer is mammography, an X-ray image of the breast. Although mammography can detect lumps in the breast tissue long before a doctor or individual notices them, these screening methods they miss about one in eight breast cancers.
Then there is an insidious problem: from the age of 40 onwards, women are generally asked to undergo mammograms every year. However, for high-risk patients, this range may not be sufficient. So-called "interval cancers", which develop between routine scans, represent 20-30% of all breast cancer cases and they can be more aggressive.
The innovative solution from MIT
The flexible patch developed by MIT can obtain ultrasound images comparable to those made in medical centers, but it can be inserted into a bra. It's an amazing innovation, just featured in an article about Scientific Advances (that I link to you here).
"We've transformed ultrasound technology so it can be used at home. It's portable, easy to use, and offers user-friendly, real-time monitoring of breast tissue," declares Canan Dagdeviren, associate professor at MIT's Media Lab and senior author of the study.
Inspired by a true story
Motivated by the story of her aunt, who died at 49 of breast cancer, Dagdeviren designed a small ultrasound scanner using piezoelectric material. This scanner can capture images whenever the user wants. The team also created a flexible 3D patch with 'honeycomb' openings.
Paired with a bra, the scanner can be moved to six different positions to scan the entire breast, with no special training needed.
The wearable "mammography" device (the term is conventional, it's not X-rays obviously) was able to detect masses up to 8 centimeters deep and with a diameter of only 0,3 centimeters, maintaining a resolution similar to ultrasound traditional.
The future of diagnosis
In this stage of prototype development, users need to connect the diagnostic patch to a clinical-grade ultrasound device to view images. The team is already working on creating an imaging system the size of a phone.
In the future, high-risk people could use the device at home, repeatedly. Virtually even in real time. A decisive technology, especially for patients who do not have access to regular screenings.
An inclusive vision of health: from mammography to continuous screening
"Access to quality, affordable health care is essential for early diagnosis," said the study author, Catherine Ricciardi, director of nursing at MIT's Center for Clinical and Translational Research.
“As a nurse, I have seen the negative consequences of a late diagnosis. This technology promises to break down barriers to diagnosis of breast cancer, offering a more reliable, comfortable and less intimidating diagnostic method."
The future we want.
