3-D ultrasound and photoacoustic breast imaging
Quantitative volumetric ultrasonic and photoacoustic tomography
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11233242
A fast 3-D ultrasound plus photoacoustic imaging system is being built to create clearer breast pictures for people getting breast cancer screening or needing biopsy guidance.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11233242 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are creating a fast 3-D camera that merges ultrasound and photoacoustic (light-based) signals to make detailed pictures of the breast. The system uses a ring of sensors and ultrafast electronics to capture a whole-breast volume in about one minute with very fine resolution (around 150 microns). That allows both structural imaging (tissue anatomy) and functional imaging (blood and oxygen signals) that can highlight suspicious areas and help guide biopsies. The work is being developed at Stanford with real-time image processing so results could be available during the clinic visit.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People having breast cancer screening, anyone with a suspicious mammogram or ultrasound finding, or patients scheduled for breast biopsy would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without breast concerns or those whose care does not rely on breast imaging (for example, advanced metastatic disease managed with systemic therapy) may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could give clearer, faster breast images that help find cancers earlier and reduce unnecessary biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier small studies of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging have shown promising contrast for blood-rich lesions, but the real-time volumetric USPAT approach is a newer, more advanced development.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FERRARA, KATHERINE W — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: FERRARA, KATHERINE W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Detection, Breast Cancer Model, Breast Cancer Risk Factor