Concept for using magnetic particle imaging for intraoperative margin analysis in breast-conserving surgery

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is standard for early-stage breast cancer.
• High reexcision rates occur due to positive surgical margins.
• Intraoperative margin assessment tools are needed to improve BCS outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) for intraoperative margin assessment in BCS.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using MPI with targeted iron oxide agents for detecting residual tumor.

Main Methods:

• Developed a hand-held Magnetic Particle detector and a small-bore MPI scanner.
• Utilized passively or actively tumor-targeted iron oxide agents.
• Tested systems with clinically relevant phantoms for proof-of-concept.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated proof-of-concept for MPI in detecting and imaging tumor distribution.
• Showcased the potential of the developed hardware for intraoperative margin assessment.
• Indicated successful imaging of iron oxide agents in phantom models.

Conclusions:

• MPI is a promising technology for intraoperative margin assessment in BCS.
• MPI systems can potentially reduce reoperation rates by enabling real-time margin evaluation.
• Further research is warranted to translate MPI to clinical practice for breast cancer surgery.