New 3D imaging technique helps detect breast cancer, COVID-19, other diseases
A research team led by UMass Lowell is pioneering a new 3D imaging technique to better detect breast cancer and other diseases, including COVID-19.
The noninvasive medical technology uses specialized contrasting dye that recognizes breast cancer cells, allowing practitioners to better visualize human tissue inside the body. The dye amplifies the X-ray signal in tumors when used together with a state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanner, called a photon-counting spectral CT, which produces multi-colored, 3D images. The contrast agents, combined with spectral CT and machine learning, could lead to a more precise diagnosis of the disease and assist significantly in early intervention, said UMass Lowell Chemistry Assistant Prof. Manos Gkikas, who is leading the project, which is funded by a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.
LOWELL, Mass. â A research team led by UMass Lowell is pioneering a new 3D imaging technique to better detect breast cancer and other diseases, including COVID-19.Â
The noninvasive medical technology uses specialized contrasting dye that recognizes breast cancer cells, allowing practitioners to better visualize human tissue inside the body. The dye amplifies the X-ray signal in tumors when used together with a state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanner, called a âphoton-counting spectral CT,â which produces multi-colored, 3D images.
âThe contrast agents, combined with spectral CT and machine learning, could lead to a more precise diagnosis of the disease and assist significantly in early intervention,â said UMass Lowell Chemistry Assistant Prof. Manos Gkikas, who is leading the project, which is funded by a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.