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A tactile resonance sensor for prostate cancer detection - evaluation on human prostate tissue
Olof A Lindahl1, Tomas Bäcklund1, Kerstin Ramser2
1Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics/Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden.
Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express
|February 15, 2021
Summary
A novel tactile resonance sensor detects prostate cancer by measuring tissue stiffness. This technology shows promise for guiding surgeons during procedures, improving outcomes and reducing risks like incontinence.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
- Oncology
Background:
- Prostate cancer surgery poses risks of erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
- Current surgical methods lack precise guidance for nerve bundle preservation and complete tumor removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a tactile resonance sensor for intraoperative detection of prostate cancer.
- To assess the sensor's ability to differentiate cancerous from healthy prostate tissue based on stiffness.
Main Methods:
- A tactile resonance sensor utilizing PZT ceramics was integrated with a 3D motorized translation stage.
- Tissue stiffness was measured at approximately 25 sites per prostate slice (n=10) and compared with histological analysis.
- Statistical analysis employed a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with bootstrap validation.
Main Results:
- The tactile resonance sensor successfully differentiated between cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissue.
- Stiffness measurements significantly predicted cancer presence, achieving an area under the curve of 0.74.
- Logarithmic mean prostate stiffness and standardized Z-scores were significant predictors (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Tissue stiffness, as measured by the tactile resonance sensor, is a significant predictor of prostate cancer.
- This sensor technology holds potential for development into a clinical instrument for enhanced surgical guidance during prostatectomy.
