Electronically Switched Imaging Array for Breast-Cancer Screening

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The project's objective is to fabricate and test a microwave-imaging prototype for breast-cancer screening. It also includes the development of a new ultra-wideband receiver chip. The prototype is intended for breast examination in a setting similar to that in mammography, i.e., the breast will be placed between two flat plates which contain the imaging antenna arrays. Only slight compression will be applied to ensure lack of motion during measurement. The prototype will be tested on breast-tissue phantoms in preparation for future clinical trials with patients.*** The requested equipment will support research rooted in three of our recent advances: (i) image-reconstruction methods that produce high-quality quantitative images in real time, (ii) imaging instrumentation that can collect data over a large dynamic range, and (iii) calibration strategies that can compensate for the unpredictable patient-specific environment. In addition to these capabilities, the proposed system architecture will allow for the completion of the measurements within minutes, thus setting the stage for a breakthrough toward clinical deployment. *** The potential impact of this research is great, not only for cancer diagnostics but for a wide variety of applications of microwave imaging. In breast-cancer screening, it will provide much needed complementarity to mammography and ultrasound. Mammography the primary screening tool has serious shortcomings: X-rays are ionizing, purchase and maintenance costs are high, breast compression is painful, sensitivity in radiologically dense breasts is low, and deployment is limited to a few cancer centers, almost always located far from small towns and rural areas. In contrast, microwaves are nonionizing, the electronics is low-cost and compact, the required compression cannot cause pain, sensitivity is less affected by the tissue density, and the apparatus can be deployed in family clinics. This will make breast-cancer screening accessible and more effective, since check-ups can be conducted more frequently than the current rate of one exam every 2 years for women aged 50 years and older. Accessibility is particularly important in view of the increase of the aging population. *** The team includes Prof. Nikolova (expert on microwave imaging, high-frequency electronics and antenna design), Prof. Noseworthy (medical physicist and an expert on medical imaging), and Prof. Chen (expert on analog integrated circuit design). The team's combined experience in imaging, medical diagnostics and radio-frequency design spans more than four decades of internationally recognized research.*** The project will provide unique training opportunities for an interdisciplinary group of researchers and students with exposure to microwave design, fabrication, and system integration, along with microwave and medical imaging methods.