A revolutionary imaging scanner developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen could transform the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, potentially reducing the number of surgeries needed and providing more personalized treatment plans.
The new technology, known as the Field Cycling Imager (FCI), has been shown to distinguish cancerous tumors from healthy tissue with greater accuracy than current MRI methods.
How the FCI Scanner Works
The FCI scanner builds on MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology but operates differently. Traditional MRIs use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body.
However, the FCI scanner has a unique ability to adjust the strength of the magnetic field during the scan, essentially acting as multiple scanners in one. This feature allows it to extract a broader range of information about tissues, offering a more precise assessment of cancerous growths.
One major advantage of FCI is that it can detect tumors without the need for contrast dye, which is commonly used in MRIs to enhance image clarity. Contrast dyes can cause allergic reactions or kidney damage in some patients, so avoiding them makes the scanning process safer.
Reducing Repeat Surgeries
Breast cancer treatment often involves lumpectomies, where surgeons remove the tumor while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. However, around 15% of patients require a second surgery because the tumor edges were not fully removed. The FCI scanner could help surgeons better define tumor boundaries, reducing the need for repeat operations.
Dr. Lionel Broche, senior research fellow at the University of Aberdeen and lead researcher in the study, emphasized the significance of this advancement:
“We found that images generated from FCI can characterize breast tumors more accurately. This means it could improve the treatment plan for patients by improving the accuracy of biopsies, better detecting tumor type and location, and reducing repeated surgeries. The potential impact on patient care is extraordinary.”
A Legacy of Medical Innovation
The University of Aberdeen has a history of pioneering medical imaging technology. In the 1970s, scientists at the university developed the world’s first clinical MRI scanner, which has since revolutionized diagnostic medicine. Now, FCI represents the next major step in imaging technology, offering new possibilities for disease detection and treatment.
The FCI scanner has already shown promise beyond breast cancer. Earlier studies demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying brain damage caused by strokes, highlighting its potential for broader medical applications.
Future of FCI in Breast Cancer Treatment
Dr. Gerald Lip, consultant radiologist at NHS Grampian and co-investigator in the study, stressed that while the results are promising, more research is needed before FCI can be widely used in hospitals.
“We treat between 400 and 500 women with breast cancer in NHS Grampian every year. The potential for this technology to reduce the need for extra surgeries is huge, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems by reducing wait times and operating theater demand.”
As further clinical trials refine the technology, the FCI scanner could soon become a powerful tool in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, providing more accurate tumor detection, reducing unnecessary surgeries, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The research findings can be found in Communications Medicine.
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