Optical mammography: imaging and characterisation of breast lesions by pulsed near-infrared laser light

Objective

Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of death of women under 50 years and x-ray mammography suffers from a large number of false positive results. Near-infrared laser pulse mammography is a novel non-invasive imaging technique to improve detection and characterisation of breast cancer, supplementing conventional mammography. Multinational clinical trials will be performed at four European sites on 450patients using improved prototypes of laser-pulse mammographs. For analysis of optical mammograms refined semi-empirical and rigorous mathematical methods will be developed. Through a concerted effort of all clinical and technical partners, scattering and absorption coefficients of normal breast tissue and lesions will be determined to improve the scientific basis of optical mammography. From the results of clinical trials the diagnostic accuracy of laser-pulse mammography will be assessed and compared to conventional mammography techniques.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-7. - Chronic and degenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, cardivascular diseases and rare diseases

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (8)