X-ray Detectors for the Next-generation of Medical Imaging of Breast Cancer

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X-ray mammography has contributed to a 39% reduction in breast cancer mortality in the U.S. since 1990. However, 50% of women screened annually for ten years experience a false positive, some of which lead to biopsies, causing patient anxiety and increasing health-care costs. State-of-the-art x-ray mammography units use large-area flat-panel x-ray detectors. During an image acquisition, each element of a flat-panel x-ray detector integrates all x-ray energy deposited within the element. Technological innovations are leading to photon-counting x-ray detectors, which estimate the energy of individual x-ray photons. Photon counting may enhance the classification of breast lesions (i.e. malign or benign), potentially reducing the number of unnecessary breast biopsies. Dr. Tanguay at Ryerson University is leading the development of a framework for modelling of the imaging performance of photon-counting x-ray detectors. Dr. Zhao at Stony Brook University is developing a photon-counting x-ray detector based on amorphous selenium (a-Se) technology. The Stony Brook Group's novel approach has the potential to enable large-area photon-counting breast imaging. Establishing evidence of the superiority of the Stony Brook Group's approach relative to conventional approaches is critical. Ideally, such comparisons could be made at the concept and design phase of development using realistic models of system performance. In this grant, Drs. Tanguay and Zhao combine their unique expertise to develop new tools for comprehensive, accurate modelling of a-Se photon-counting x-ray detectors. The methodologies developed in this collaboration will enable the scientific community to make evidence-based investments in the photon counting x-ray detectors that have the best potential to improve the accuracy of breast cancer screening programs in Canada and worldwide.