Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new wearable ultrasound device that could revolutionize breast cancer detection, promising early diagnosis and improved survival rates.
When breast cancer is detected in its early stages, the survival rate can reach almost 100%, but that number drops significantly for later-stage tumors. In response to this, the researchers have designed a flexible patch that can be attached to a bra, enabling users to perform ultrasound imaging on their breast tissue from different angles.
New Wearable Ultrasound Device: Bridging the Gap Between Routine Mammograms
The new device aims to bridge the gap between routine mammograms. It could be particularly valuable for patients with a high risk of developing breast cancer between screenings.
These patients, who are more susceptible to interval cancers, represent 20 to 30 percent of all breast cancer cases and face more aggressive tumors. The wearable ultrasound scanner, once fully developed, will allow for more frequent and convenient screening, potentially increasing the survival rate to 98%.
Canan Dagdeviren, an associate professor at MIT's Media Lab and the study's senior author, explained the motivation behind the device. Inspired by her late aunt's struggle with late-stage breast cancer, Dagdeviren envisioned a diagnostic device that could be incorporated into a bra for continuous screening.
With her research group specializing in wearable electronic devices, she embarked on creating a miniaturized ultrasound scanner that a user could easily operate. The device features an innovative design consisting of a flexible, 3D-printed patch equipped with magnet attachments for secure placement on a bra.
Within this patch lies a small tracker that can be easily adjusted to six different positions, enabling users to obtain comprehensive breast images from various angles.
Utilizing ultrasound technology similar to those found in medical centers, the scanner incorporates a piezoelectric material for miniaturization. According to the team, the ultrasound patch delivers resolution comparable to traditional ultrasound, capable of imaging tissues up to 8 centimeters deep.
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Miniaturized Imaging System
In a test conducted on a 71-year-old woman with a history of breast cysts, the device successfully detected cysts as small as 0.3 centimeters in diameter, equivalent to early-stage tumors.
To further enhance accessibility and immediate visualization of ultrasound images, the researchers are working towards creating a miniaturized imaging system with dimensions similar to that of a smartphone.
Once fully developed, the wearable ultrasound patch could be utilized by individuals at high risk for breast cancer, enabling frequent screening at home. This technology aims to eliminate the need for women to travel to imaging centers, improving access to early detection.
"Access to quality and affordable health care is essential for early detection and diagnosis. As a nurse I have witnessed the negative outcomes of a delayed diagnosis," said Catherine Ricciardi, nurse director at MIT's Center for Clinical and Translational Research and an author of the study.
"This technology holds the promise of breaking down the many barriers for early breast cancer detection by providing a more reliable, comfortable, and less intimidating diagnostic," she added.
The findings of the team were published in the journal Science Advances.
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