Abstract:
In this pilot study, we investigated the utility of handheld ultrasound-guided photoacoustic (US-PA) imaging probe for analyzing ex-vivo breast specimens obtained from female patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS). We aimed to assess the potential of US-PA in detecting biochemical markers such as collagen, lipids, and hemoglobin, and compare these findings with routine imaging modalities (mammography, ultrasound) and histopathology results, particularly across various breast densities. Twelve ex-vivo breast specimens were obtained from female patients with a mean age of 59.7 ± 9.5 years who underwent BCS. The tissues were illuminated using handheld US-PA probe between 700 and 1100 nm across all margins and analyzed for collagen, lipids, and hemoglobin distribution. The obtained results were compared with routine imaging and histopathological assessments. Our findings revealed that lipid intensity and distribution decreased with increasing breast density, while collagen exhibited an opposite trend. These observations were consistent with routine imaging and histopathological analyses. Moreover, collagen intensity significantly differed (P < 0.001) between cancerous and normal breast tissue, indicating its potential as an additional biomarker for risk stratification across various breast conditions. The study results suggest that a combined assessment of PA biochemical information, such as collagen and lipid content, superimposed on grey-scale ultrasound findings could aid in distinguishing between normal and malignant breast conditions, as well as assist in BCS margin assessment. This underscores the potential of US-PA imaging as a valuable tool for enhancing breast cancer diagnosis and management, offering complementary information to existing imaging modalities and histopathology.
摘要:
在这项试点研究中,我们研究了手持式超声引导光声(US-PA)成像探头用于分析接受保乳手术(BCS)的女性患者的离体乳腺标本的实用性.我们的目的是评估US-PA在检测生化标志物如胶原蛋白方面的潜力,脂质,和血红蛋白,并将这些发现与常规成像方式(乳房X线照相术,超声)和组织病理学结果,特别是在不同的乳房密度。从接受BCS的平均年龄为59.7±9.5岁的女性患者中获得了12个离体乳腺标本。使用手持式US-PA探针在所有边缘700至1100nm之间照射组织,并分析胶原蛋白。脂质,和血红蛋白分布。将获得的结果与常规成像和组织病理学评估进行比较。我们的研究结果表明,脂质强度和分布随着乳腺密度的增加而降低,而胶原蛋白表现出相反的趋势。这些观察结果与常规成像和组织病理学分析一致。此外,癌变和正常乳腺组织之间的胶原强度显着不同(P<0.001),表明其作为跨各种乳房疾病的风险分层的额外生物标志物的潜力。研究结果表明,PA生化信息的综合评估,如胶原蛋白和脂质含量,叠加灰度超声检查结果可以帮助区分正常和恶性乳腺疾病,以及协助BCS利润率评估。这强调了US-PA成像作为增强乳腺癌诊断和治疗的宝贵工具的潜力。为现有的成像方式和组织病理学提供补充信息。