Researchers get $3M to develop new breast imaging tool

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has granted $3 million to a group of academic researchers who want to create a new breast imaging system.

The Academic-Industry Partnership, which is led by engineers at Dartmouth College, will use the five-year grant to develop a system that combines the sensitivity of MRI with the specificity of microwave imaging. The team has already successfully tested a proof of concept but needs to improve the prototype and complete clinical trials.

The new imaging method could eliminate the need for gadolinium injections, while also transmitting less microwave power than a smartphone emits. The researchers hope the resulting breast imaging system will produce high-quality images of lesions, making it easier to differentiate between malignant and benign tumors.