MARIA M4: clinical evaluation of a prototype ultrawideband radar scanner for breast cancer detection

Abstract

A microwave imaging system has been developed as a clinical diagnostic tool operating in the 3- to 8-GHz region using multistatic data collection. A total of 86 patients recruited from a symptomatic breast care clinic were scanned with a prototype design. The resultant three-dimensional images have been compared "blind" with available ultrasound and mammogram images to determine the detection rate. Images show the location of the strongest signal, and this corresponded in both older and younger women, with sensitivity of [Formula: see text], which was found to be maintained in dense breasts. The pathway from clinical prototype to clinical evaluation is outlined.

Keywords: MARIA; breast cancer; clinical evaluation; imaging; multistatic radar; ultrawideband.

Figures

Fig. 1

MARIA M4/M5 array and bed system. (a) Latest design rotatable 60 antenna array and switch assembly which moves as a unit around the breast cup. (b) MARIA M4 in position in the clinic. (c) MARIA M5 operationally identical to M5 design but in a clinically more acceptable and integrated package as currently in use.

Fig. 2

An example of a MARIA scan compared with a mammogram (MMG) and US. (a) MARIA M4 scan [max focused strength at (X=3, Y=21, Z=−42  mm)], (b) US scan, and (c) MMG. Clinical diagnoses: carcinoma 17 mm and liquid-filled milk duct. Only tumor is visible on mammogram. Both carcinoma and liquid-filled milk duct are visible on MARIA M4 and US scans.

Fig. 3

Comparison of MARIA M4 detection of B5b with US and MMG, BI-RADS c. (a) US scan (U5), (b) MMG marked as normal (M1) by the original and experienced radiologist, (c) lateral view of right breast using MARIA showing area of high dielectric contrast [lateral view of right breast focusing at X=21  mm, max at (Y=3, Z=−42  mm)], and (d) 3-D image of lesion using MARIA [level=0.8  max at (X=21, Y=3, Z=−42  mm) value = 1.413e–002].

Fig. 4

Comparison of MARIA M4 images where there was a false correspondence with conventional methods (i.e., US and MMG) in detection of a carcinoma. (a) CC view of left breast with MARIA M4 [CC view of right breast focusing at Y=0.15  mm, max at (X=15, Z=−42  mm)], (b) lateral view of left breast with MARIA M4 [lateral view of left breast focusing at X=15  mm, max at (Y=0.15, Z=−42  mm)], (c) CC view of left breast with MMG, marked as (M5) in original trial assessment and (M4) by experienced radiologist (LCC), and (d) left medial lateral oblique view by MMG (LMLO).