New Imaging Technology Shows Little Discrepancy Between Breast Cancer, Healthy Tissues
By MedImaging International staff writers Posted on 30 Sep 2014 |
A new application has been effectively evaluated that will help surgeons better differentiate cancerous breast tissue from normal tissue, thereby decreasing the likelihood for repeat operations. The tool, called DESI (desorption electrospray ionization) mass spectrometry imaging, works by converting molecules into electrically charged versions of themselves, called ions, so that they can be identified by their mass.
Up to 40% of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery require additional operations because surgeons may fail to remove all the cancerous tissue in the initial operation. However, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH; Boston, MA, USA) published the findings from their study online September 22, 2014, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). By studying the mass of the ions, the contents of a tissue sample can then be identified. The tool sprays a microscopic stream of charged solvent onto the tissue surface to gather information about its molecular makeup and produces a color-coded image revealing the nature and concentration of tumor cells.
In this particular case, the researchers used DESI mass spectrometry imaging to look at the distribution and amounts of fatty acid substances, called lipids, within breast tissue and normal tissue from 61 samples obtained from 14 breast cancer patients that underwent mastectomy. A software program was used to characterize the breast cancer tumors and detect boundaries between healthy and cancerous tissue.
The researchers discovered that several fatty acids, such as oleic acid, were more abundant in breast cancer tissue compared to normal tissue. The findings were also confirmed using traditional pathology methods to assess for accuracy. “Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of classifying cancerous and normal breast tissues using DESI mass spectrometry imaging,” said Nathalie Agar, PhD, director of the surgical molecular imaging laboratory, BWH departments of neurosurgery and radiology, senior study author. “The results may help us to move forward in improving this method so that surgeons can use it to rapidly detect residual cancer tissue during breast cancer surgery, hopefully decreasing the need for multiple operations.”
Related Links:
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Up to 40% of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery require additional operations because surgeons may fail to remove all the cancerous tissue in the initial operation. However, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH; Boston, MA, USA) published the findings from their study online September 22, 2014, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). By studying the mass of the ions, the contents of a tissue sample can then be identified. The tool sprays a microscopic stream of charged solvent onto the tissue surface to gather information about its molecular makeup and produces a color-coded image revealing the nature and concentration of tumor cells.
In this particular case, the researchers used DESI mass spectrometry imaging to look at the distribution and amounts of fatty acid substances, called lipids, within breast tissue and normal tissue from 61 samples obtained from 14 breast cancer patients that underwent mastectomy. A software program was used to characterize the breast cancer tumors and detect boundaries between healthy and cancerous tissue.
The researchers discovered that several fatty acids, such as oleic acid, were more abundant in breast cancer tissue compared to normal tissue. The findings were also confirmed using traditional pathology methods to assess for accuracy. “Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of classifying cancerous and normal breast tissues using DESI mass spectrometry imaging,” said Nathalie Agar, PhD, director of the surgical molecular imaging laboratory, BWH departments of neurosurgery and radiology, senior study author. “The results may help us to move forward in improving this method so that surgeons can use it to rapidly detect residual cancer tissue during breast cancer surgery, hopefully decreasing the need for multiple operations.”
Related Links:
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Latest General/Advanced Imaging News
- Radiation Therapy Computed Tomography Solution Boosts Imaging Accuracy
- PET Scans Reveal Hidden Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
- Artificial Intelligence Evaluates Cardiovascular Risk from CT Scans
- New AI Method Captures Uncertainty in Medical Images
- CT Coronary Angiography Reduces Need for Invasive Tests to Diagnose Coronary Artery Disease
- Novel Blood Test Could Reduce Need for PET Imaging of Patients with Alzheimer’s
- CT-Based Deep Learning Algorithm Accurately Differentiates Benign From Malignant Vertebral Fractures
- Minimally Invasive Procedure Could Help Patients Avoid Thyroid Surgery
- Self-Driving Mobile C-Arm Reduces Imaging Time during Surgery
- AR Application Turns Medical Scans Into Holograms for Assistance in Surgical Planning
- Imaging Technology Provides Ground-Breaking New Approach for Diagnosing and Treating Bowel Cancer
- CT Coronary Calcium Scoring Predicts Heart Attacks and Strokes
- AI Model Detects 90% of Lymphatic Cancer Cases from PET and CT Images
- Breakthrough Technology Revolutionizes Breast Imaging
- State-Of-The-Art System Enhances Accuracy of Image-Guided Diagnostic and Interventional Procedures
- Catheter-Based Device with New Cardiovascular Imaging Approach Offers Unprecedented View of Dangerous Plaques