Impedance Measurements for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Younger Women: A Preliminary Assessment

摘要

The purpose of this preliminary investigation is to explore the possibility that electrical impedance measurements of the breast can ultimately be used to screen younger women for early detection of breast cancer. As a part of a comprehensive protocol to compare different modalities, participating women undergo a series of diagnostic examinations, including impedance measurements under IRB-approved protocols. The results of the frequency-dependent algorithm are compared with the results of other imaging modalities as well as diagnostic outcome when available. In a preliminary series of 83 patients (divided into two groups) with varying risk levels, a significant correlation between impedance measurements and results from other diagnostic modalities was observed. The specific algorithm developed for high specificity resulted in an overall performance level of 90 percent specificity. The procedure was found to be "simple," "fast," and "easy to use" by the technologists. The interpretation of the results is straightforward. Our preliminary assessment is encouraging and indicates that the system may prove extremely useful for the purpose it was designed. Further technical improvements and clinical assessments are underway.