Rohde & Schwarz supplies analyser for breast cancer detector

Rohde & Schwarz has supplied high speed vector network analysers to Bristol University spin-out Micrima for the clinical trials of a new breast cancer screening technique.

The technique uses an ultra wideband radio system called MARIA (multistatic array processing for radiowave image acquisition) that can detect tumours by generating high-resolution 3D images of the human breast.

A feature of the technique is that it avoids exposing women to X-ray radiation.

“The new 3D breast screening platform under development aims to be safer, more convenient and more economically viable in a greater number of countries, in addition to providing a practical solution to screening women below the age of 50,” said Roy Johnson, executive chairman of Micrima.

The wideband antenna array, which is placed beneath the breast, was developed by Professor Ian Craddock and Professor Alan Preece from Bristol University.

The array connects via a switch matrix to the test ports of the vector network analyser, supplied by Rohde & Schwarz, which takes fast frequency sweep measurements. Post-processing is carried out on a computer using software developed by the research group.

“Current mammography systems play an important role in the detection of breast cancer but suffer from relatively high missed- and false-detection rates, and involve uncomfortable compression of the breast,” said Professor Ian Craddock from Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Bristol University.

The radar-based breast imaging system has completed a first set of clinical trials at Frenchay Hospital’s Breast Care Centre in Bristol in collaboration with Dr Mike Shere, as well as Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

“Speed of measurement is critical for this application,” said Professor Craddock.

“The analyser’s parallel data acquisition across 16 receivers has enabled us to reduce measurement time from a little over one minute to nine seconds, which is good news for patients and for screening throughput,” said Professor Craddock.

“We are immensely proud that our instrumentation is being used to progress such a valuable research goal,” said Jamie Lunn, Rohde & Schwarz UK’s RF & Microwave product specialist.

The aim of the work is to create practical low cost version of the MARIA system that could be situated in GP surgeries and mobile screening units.

“With breast cancer being the most common cause of death for women aged between 35 and 59 in Europe, it is hoped by all involved that the technique may eventually ensure that all women, regardless of age, could be routinely screened,” said Micrima, the start-up company created to commercialise the system.