Study: New Technique to Diagnose Breast Cancer Without Biopsy

A technique that combines high-level magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a new spectroscopic method may make it possible to diagnose breast cancer without having to perform a biopsy.

In this technique, being developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota, MRI is used to detect breast lumps, while spectroscopy measures levels of choline (tCho) compounds known to accumulate in cancer cells.

"We found tCho concentrations to be significantly higher in malignancies than in benign lumps and normal breast tissues using this quantitative method," said lead researcher Michael Garwood.

Currently, the presence of a breast tumor is confirmed by surgically taking a sample of tissue and analyzing it in a laboratory. The new method may eventually reduce the need to perform these biopsies.

"Using high magnetic fields and this spectroscopic technique may produce a powerful way to diagnose breast cancer and to monitor its response to treatment," Garwood said. "We hope this technique will eventually be used to avoid unnecessary biopsy."

Reporting on their study in the journal Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, the researchers said they thus far have measured tCho levels in normal breast tissue and in benign and malignant lesions in 105 women.

The study remains open to women who have a suspicious breast lump; however, MRI and MRS scanning must occur before a biopsy or surgery on the lump has been performed.

Women interested in participating in the study can call 612-273-1944.

Other Sources: University of Minnesota