A research team led by Professor Zheng Yongping, Professor of PolyU’s Department of Health Technology and Informatics (HTI) and Associate Director of PolyU's Research Institute of Innovative Products and Technologies, has developed a low-cost and compact Ultrasound Elasticity Imaging System for the examination and diagnosis of breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.

Working in collaboration with a Guangdong-based ultrasound diagnostic company, the HTI researchers have implemented their novel algorithm into conventional ultrasound scanner for achieving elasticity imaging, thereby cutting down the manufacturing cost of ultrasound scanners with such a function by one-tenth. Compact and robust like a desktop computer, the PolyU-developed model is also the world’s smallest ultrasound diagnostic machine with elasticity imaging function, and can be readily installed in a clinic. These characteristics mean that the new innovation can be more accessible to the community at large and to the less developed countries.

At present, mammography and ultrasound B-mode imaging are the most common techniques used for breast cancer diagnosis, and their results need to be confirmed by tissue biopsy. Ultrasound elasticity imaging is a relatively new method which is used together with ultrasound B-mode imaging. The basic principle for elasticity imaging is to map the tissue stiffness so that the tumour region can be clearly viewed. It has been widely reported that ultrasound elasticity imaging together with B-mode imaging can significantly improve the accuracy for breast cancer diagnosis, with the potential to reduce the biopsy rate. Ultrasound diagnosis for breast cancer is particularly important for women below 50, who are normally not suitable for mammography, as the dense breast tissue may affect the results.

"We believe that our work will lead to more accurate and convenient screening for breast cancer so that early treatment can be provided to more patients,” said Professor Zheng. Details >>