Version 2.1.1.0

Abstract

Grant Number:	4R44CA091500-02
PI Name:	CARR, KENNETH L.
PI Email:	kencarr@fiam.net
PI Title:	PRESIDENT
Project Title:	MICROWAVE RADIOMETRY AS AN ADJUNCT TO MAMMOGRAPHY

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (Verbatim from Applicant's Abstract): The long-term objective of this research is to improve breast cancer management by utilizing thermal information as an adjunct to mammography to aid in clinical decisions when confronted with equivocal mammograms. Earlier studies have shown that microwave radiometric sensing is a promising technique which when combined with mammography, would be useful in reducing noncancerous breast biopsies based on mammographic false positives, thereby improving the positive predictive value (PPV) of mammography. These earlier studies will be expanded to include additional clinical sites, investigative ways in which system performance can be improved, and to provide more detailed pathological information that will assist in discovering the reasons for thermal activity. By gaining a better understanding of the reason for thermal anomalies, we can discover the true capabilities of radiometric or thermal-based sensing. Considering the high cost of unnecessary breast biopsies, both financially and emotionally, a system utilizing thermal information should prove to be of great benefit. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The long-term objective of this research is to improve breast cancer management by utilizing thermal information as an adjunct to mammography to aid in clinical decisions when confronted with equivocal mammograms. The data obtained from this study could lead to the development of improved detection techniques and equipment, based on noninvasive thermal sensing, as an adjunct to mammography.

Thesaurus Terms:
breast neoplasm /cancer diagnosis, diagnosis design /evaluation, mammography, microradiography, technology /technique development, thermography
diagnosis quality /standard, women's health
bioimaging /biomedical imaging, biopsy, female, human subject, patient oriented research

Institution:	MERIDIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LLC.
	50 W MAIN ST
	AYER, MA 01432
Fiscal Year:	2003
Department:
Project Start:	01-SEP-2003
Project End:	31-AUG-2005
ICD:	NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
IRG:	ZRG1

---