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Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System
Published on: April 23, 2021
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Wide-field quantitative micro-elastography of human breast tissue
Wes M Allen1,2, Kelsey M Kennedy1,2, Qi Fang1,2
1BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
Biomedical Optics Express
|March 16, 2018
Summary
A new wide-field quantitative micro-elastography system improves tumor margin assessment, potentially reducing repeat surgeries after breast-conserving procedures. This advanced imaging technique enhances visualization and minimizes artifacts for better surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Insufficient surgical margins in breast-conserving surgery (BCS) lead to repeat operations in 20-30% of patients.
- Accurate assessment of tumor margins is critical for successful BCS and minimizing positive margins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a wide-field quantitative micro-elastography system for improved tumor margin assessment.
- To enhance the visualization of tumor boundaries and reduce imaging artifacts during surgical margin evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Developed a wide-field quantitative micro-elastography system to map tissue elasticity over a ~46 × 46 mm field-of-view.
- Acquired wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, qualitative (strain) micro-elastograms, and quantitative (elasticity) micro-elastograms from thirteen mastectomy tissue specimens.
- Collected imaging data within a 10-minute timeframe per specimen.
Main Results:
- Wide-field quantitative micro-elastography provided contrast beyond standard OCT and qualitative elastography, revealing tumors not otherwise visible.
- The technique demonstrated a reduction in imaging artifacts caused by poor tissue-imaging window contact.
- Combined evaluation of OCT, qualitative, and quantitative micro-elastograms improved tumor visualization.
Conclusions:
- Wide-field quantitative micro-elastography offers a valuable tool for assessing tumor margins in excised breast tissue.
- This technology has the potential to improve surgical precision and reduce the need for re-excision surgeries.
- The integration of OCT and micro-elastography enhances the comprehensive evaluation of surgical margins.
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