Biopsy, which can be defined as taking a skin sample from a person to be examined under a microscope in the laboratory environment, is known as an extremely important operation in terms of early cancer diagnosis. However, this process is quite painful and unpleasant for patients, as it leaves deep wounds that take weeks to heal.
On the other hand, it is quite remarkable that the number of biopsies performed in recent years is approximately four times higher than the number of cancers detected. This means that even people who are not actually at risk of cancer have to have a biopsy to be sure. However, it seems that with a newly developed device, it may be possible to avoid unnecessary biopsies and the painful process that comes with it.
With the new device, cancerous tissue can be detected without the need for a biopsy
Stevens Institute of Technology researchers will now be able to halve the rate of unnecessary biopsy and at the same time provide dermatologists and other preliminary studies. develops a low-cost handheld device that can provide naive physicians with easy access to laboratory-level cancer diagnosis. Stating that their main goal is not to get rid of biopsies, Negar Tavassolian, director of the Bio-Electromagnetic Laboratory in Stevens, notes, “But we want to provide doctors with additional tools and help them make better decisions.”
The device in question, developed by the team, is a It uses millimeter wave imaging, the same technology used in airport security scanners, to scan the patient’s skin.According to this working principle, healthy tissue reflects millimeter-wave rays differently from cancerous tissue.This means that it is theoretically possible to detect cancers by monitoring the contrasts in the rays reflected back from the skin.
Researchers wanting to bring this approach to clinical practice also want to combine signals captured by multiple different antennas into a single ultra-high-bandwidth image, reducing noise and reducing the load of even the smallest dot or speck. They used algorithms to quickly capture high-resolution images.
Using a desktop version of their technology to study 71 patients during real clinical visits, the research team led by Amir Mirbeik found that their method was able to accurately distinguish between benign and malignant lesions in just seconds. Using their device, Tavassolian and Mirbeik were able to identify cancerous tissue with 97% sensitivity and 98% specificity, a rate that can compete with even the best hospital-level diagnostic devices.
The team develops a low-cost ‘biopsy’ alternative that is easy to access and use
“We’re creating a low-cost device that’s as small as a mobile phone and easy to use, so we can offer advanced diagnostics accessible to everyone.” he adds.
The fact that the team’s technology delivers results within seconds shows that it could one day be used in place of a magnifying dermatoscope for routine checkups, providing highly accurate results almost instantly. Related to this, Tavassolian says, “This means that doctors can integrate accurate diagnoses into routine checkups and ultimately treat more patients.”
Unlike many other imaging modalities, new imaging technology that uses millimeter-wave rays that harmlessly penetrate human skin at about 2 mm provides a clear 3D map of scanned lesions. With some improvements to the algorithm that powers the device, it may be possible to significantly improve the mapping of lesion boundaries and to perform more precise and less extensive biopsies for malignant lesions.
The team plans to launch the device within two years
The next step to be taken at this point stands out as the team’s placing the diagnostic kit in an integrated circuit. With this step taken, it could soon be possible to manufacture functional handheld millimeter wave diagnostic devices for as little as $100 per piece. The team is currently working to commercialize their technology and hopes to start getting their device into the hands of clinicians within the next two years.
“The way forward is clear and we know what we need to do,” said Tavassolian. “After this proof of concept, we need to miniaturize our technology, lower the price and bring it to market.” saves as.
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