Presented with Pennsylvania Department of Health grant, a new hand-held device capable of detecting cancer by sensing the elasticity of breast tissue has progressed to the final stages of testing and development. This novel device revolutionizes the way breast examinations are performed by allowing the clinicians to perform noninvasive and radiation-free regular breast exams.
Researchers at Drexel University's College of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems developed piezoelectric finger technology-based "Intelligent Breast Exam" (iBE) that gathers precise information from regular breast examinations. Following a series of clinical tests, this versatile device will serve as a valuable tool for physicians enabling them to detect breast cancer at an early stage.
Philadelphia-based UE LifeSciences has licensed the technology in 2010. The sensor technology will be further commercialized and clinically validated using grants from Pennsylvania DOH's Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement (CURE) program.
Pilot clinical study performed at Drexel's College of Medicine demonstrated that iBE was effective in detecting 9 out of 11 clinician non-palpable breast tumors and one invasive breast cancer, which was not detected by mammogram.
Inspired by the research of Dr. Wan Shih, the technology development was initiated at Drexel's School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems.
The research was also supported by grants from the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation and the University City Science Center's QED proof-of-concept program.
By partnering with several Pennsylvania-based organizations, UELS will provide smaller footprint beta sensor of high energy-efficiency incorporated within smartphone platform for more clinical evaluation.
Source: http://www.sciencecenter.org/