Seminars Archive

Towards the clinical application of phase-contrast computed tomography in breast cancer imaging

Abstract
This project provides a path to clinical implementation of a novel low-dose high-quality three-dimensional (3D) breast imaging using an innovative approach which exploits the phase as well as the intensity of X-rays - in-line phase-contrast computed tomography. We anticipate the work will result in improved cancer diagnosis, potential reductions in radiation dose and removal of patient pain associated with compression necessary for mammographic procedures. The project is aimed at development and initial tests, including the first clinical evaluation with breast cancer diagnostic patients using synchrotron radiation. Previously, in our pilot experiments using small samples, we demonstrated that this approach can potentially lead to improvement in objective (non-clinical) image quality at the same X-ray dose, or to a substantial reduction in the X-ray dose without a loss in image quality, compared to conventional CT imaging of breast tissue. More recently, we used synchrotron-based in-line X-ray phase-contrast tomography to obtain images of human breast samples at a radiologically acceptable X-ray dose in order to optimise various imaging conditions of this technique. In the present project, we will carry out further theoretical and experimental studies of this new imaging technology. Using the developed imaging protocols, we will design and conduct a patient trial of this technique with the full breast being imaged with 3D phase contrast. We will carry out suitably designed assessment studies of the obtained images by world-leading radiologists in Australia, Harvard Medical School and MDA Anderson Texas.