Method for identifying residual breast cancer cells following tumor removal
JHU Ref #: C17840
Value Proposition
· Enables medical professionals to identify residual tumor cells for removal in real-time
· Reduces time and cost by eliminating need for post-operative analysis of excised tissue
· Safe and radiation-free alternative to other forms of cancer diagnostic imaging
Unmet Need
· Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women, and approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime (National Breast Cancer). While mastectomies are the most common way of removing breast cancers, breast conserving surgeries are growing in popularity due to the reduced amount of tissue removed. An estimated 20% of breast conserving surgeries result in positive surgical margins, or remaining tumor cells, following mass removal. This rate of failure to remove peripheral tumor cells results in an increased risk of tumor recurrence and need for additional surgeries, and this risk drives patients to choose mastectomies over conserving surgeries (Hotsinpiller, W.J., et al. 2021). Therefore, there is a need for an improved method of locating residual cancer cells in the tumor bed for removal to prevent tumor recurrence.
Technology Description
· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a photoacoustic imaging method for intraoperative imaging of cancer cells located in the tumor bed during breast conserving surgery. This radiation-free imaging technique uses photoacoustic imaging in combination with ultrasound imaging to better visualize and locate remaining cancer cells in the breast resection cavity following tumor removal to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients.
Stage of Development
· Conceptual
