Study: Breast Cancer Radar Technology May Aid Detection

Radio wave signals, similar to those used in cell phones, are being used to detect breast cancers that have been missed by mammography, according to researchers at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL.

"Malignant tumors have a greater content of water than surrounding breast tissue," said Dr. Allan Malmed, director of breast care at NCH and lead investigator of the study. The Breast Cancer Radar (BCR) technology creates three-dimensional images that show the size and location of cancers using this physical feature.

This radio wave technology has been used to image 22 patients with known breast cancer or breast cysts, accurately depicting the tumors and cysts, according to Malmed.

Because BCR technology is based on water content, breast density has no affect on the quality of the image, said Malmed.

"Early indications are that this test could be an adjunct to mammography. This test may benefit patients with dense breasts as well as other patients who have negative mammograms yet, for some reason, such as a family history of breast cancer, we are concerned that the additional tests are needed," said Malmed.

The BCR procedure takes approximately five minutes and there is no compression of the breasts. Images of both breasts are taken at the same time.

Clinical trials are scheduled for summer 2002 comparing BCR in combination with mammography to mammography alone.

Other Sources: American Roentgen Ray Society