Funded by NIH, Grant No.: 1R43CA086623-01
Patent No.: US 7,113,817 B1

The Need

This year alone, 40,910 people are expected to die from breast cancer, making it the number 2 cause of cancer death among American women. Early detection is important in decreasing the mortality of breast cancer.

The Idea

CW Optics has proposed the innovative use of an optical imaging technique for real-time perfusion measurements of breast tissue. Detection of changes in the vascular structure of breasts using such a method offers a means for routine, noninvasive, and safe monitoring of patients and for early detection of tumors.

The Science

The proposed technique identifies regions of high cutaneous blood flow due to increased vascularity associated with malignant breast tumors. Upon detection, patients can then take early steps towards breast cancer management and therapy.

The Bottom Line

This optical imaging device is economical, portable, and easy to use by primary care physicians and gynecologists. The device can be used with mammography and may also reduce the requirements for repeated x-ray exposures. CW Optics' proposed optical device for the monitoring of breast tissue perfusion promises to play a great role in the future of early detection of breast cancer.