Wearable Ultrasound Scanner Detects Interval Breast Cancer

August 04, 2023 - MIT News described a wearable ultrasound scanner attached to the bra to detect interval breast cancer, capturing images similar to medical imaging center probes.

According to the press release, breast cancer survival rates largely depend on early detection. In the early stages, breast cancer survival rates are nearly 100 percent. Later, it can drop to 25.

Attempting to be one step ahead of cancer progression, MIT researchers incorporated wearables with tumor detection tools. Led by Canan Dagdeviren, an associate professor in MIT’s Media Lab and the study’s senior author, created a flexible patch attached to the bra.

“We changed the form factor of the ultrasound technology so that it can be used in your home. It’s portable and easy to use, and provides real-time, user-friendly monitoring of breast tissue,” said Dagdeviren in a press release.

Dagdeviren’s late aunt, Fatma Caliskanoglu, had regular cancer screens. Despite that she was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer at age 49 and passed away after six months, prompting Dagdeviren to develop this device.

During the process, Dagdeviren sketched a schematic of a diagnostic device that would attach to a bra, allowing for frequent screening. She designed a mini ultrasound scanner with the same technology used in medical imaging centers. Researchers created a flexible patch that, through magnets, attached to the bra as a wearable. An ultrasound scanner can be used to adjust the device for comprehensive imaging.

“This technology provides a fundamental capability in the detection and early diagnosis of breast cancer, which is key to a positive outcome,” says Anantha Chandrakasan, dean of MIT’s School of Engineering, the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and a study author. “This work will significantly advance ultrasound research and medical device designs, leveraging advances in materials, low-power circuits, AI algorithms, and biomedical systems.”

The press release also indicated that about 20 to 30 percent of breast cancer cases consist of tumors that develop in between mammograms, where the wearable device would be beneficial.

“My goal is to target the people who are most likely to develop interval cancer,” said Dagdeviren. “With more frequent screening, our goal [is] to increase the survival rate to up to 98 percent.”

Researchers confirmed the diagnostic abilities of the study after working with a human subject. The patient was a 71-year-old woman with a history of breast cysts. Researchers used the scanner to locate the cysts, which happened to be the size of early-stage tumors.

Regarding the mechanics of the device, the current process uses an ultrasound machine. Furthermore, they are aiming to develop a smartphone-sized imaging system.

Another goal for the future is the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) workflow. Specifically, AI would analyze gradual changes in the images, providing better diagnostics than radiologist assessments of images taken years apart. Using wearable technology to detect and monitor the progress of various diseases is becoming increasingly common.

In May, for example, the University of Texas provided research that described an electronic tattoo device that continuously monitored heart disease.

Amid the prominence of heart disease in the United States, researchers leveraged new technology to treat this condition. The electronic tattoo device attaches to the chest, using two sensors to track heart activity. In doing so, it captured electrocardiogram (ECG) and seismocardiogram (SCG) measurements.

“Most heart conditions are not very obvious. The damage is being done in the background and we don’t even know it,” said Nanshu Lu, PhD, a professor in the Department of Aerospace and Engineering Mechanics at UT Austin and a lead author of the study, in a press release. “If we can have continuous, mobile monitoring at home, then we can do early diagnosis and treatment, and if that can be done, 80% of heart disease can be prevented.”

These two pieces of research clearly indicate how technology is becoming increasingly used to monitor various medical conditions. With positive results, practices will likely continue.