Innovative Rapid and Comfort-Driven Breast Imaging Technology Shows Promise in Early Clinical Trials

A groundbreaking breast imaging system that is quick, non-invasive, and highly comfortable has demonstrated promising results in initial clinical evaluations. The system, known as OneTouch-PAT, utilizes a combination of photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging techniques to detect breast cancer more efficiently and with less discomfort than traditional methods. Unlike mammography, which involves painful compression and radiation exposure, this new approach allows women to stand naturally and gently press their breast against an imaging window, completing scans in under a minute.

In early testing involving four healthy volunteers and 61 breast cancer patients, OneTouch-PAT successfully generated detailed 3D images powered by artificial intelligence, highlighting common breast cancer subtypes such as Luminal A, Luminal B, and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. The images revealed distinct vascular patterns associated with each cancer type, providing valuable insights into tumor characteristics.

Developed by researchers at the University at Buffalo, led by Professor Jun Xia, Ph.D., the system integrates advanced imaging, automation, and AI to improve detection accuracy and patient experience. The technology automates the combined photoacoustic and ultrasound scans, reducing operator dependency and potential errors, and processes the data rapidly, often within minutes.

This innovation is particularly promising for women with dense breast tissue, a group for whom traditional imaging techniques may be less effective. The complementary nature of the photoacoustic and ultrasound components allows for better visualization of suspicious lesions and blood vessel growth around tumors, which are critical markers of malignancy.

While the initial results are encouraging, further research involving larger and more diverse populations is planned to validate and refine OneTouch-PAT. The future developments aim to incorporate additional sensors and more sophisticated imaging tools to enhance speed and precision.

Supported by the National Institutes of Health, this technology could significantly augment existing breast cancer screening methods, potentially leading to earlier and less painful detection, ultimately saving more lives.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-quick-pain-free-breast-imaging.html