Clinical evaluation of inductive spectrometer to detect breast cancer

Abstract

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Impedance measurements based on Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy (MIS) has been proposed for detection of malignant patho-physiological conditions associated to tissue electrical conductivity changes. In particular; we propose the use of Inductive Phase Shift (ΔӨ) measurements based on MIS to detect BC. Objective. Evaluate clinically the use of ΔӨ measurements trough an Inductive Spectrometer device to detect BC. Methods. Female volunteer patients (600) randomly enrolled as they assisted to its programmed screening were separated in two experimental groups (Control; n=589 and BC; n=11), and were measured by an experimental inductive spectrometer designed to estimate volumetric ΔӨ in human breast tissue at 136 frequencies spaced logarithmically in a whole bandwidth (0.001 to 100 MHz). All patients were examined with conventional mastography by experienced radiologists. ΔӨ data were homogenized in every patient with respect its contra-lateral breast measurement in such a way that the effects of age, corporal mass index even hormonal cycle phase factors were neutralized. The histopathology result obtained from ultrasound-guided core biopsy or operation excisions were used as reference standard. A parametric tstudent test was used for comparing mean values of ΔӨ in Control vs BC groups. Results. Increments in volumetric inductive phase shift measurements at specific frequencies were evident in BC with respect to control conditions (p<0.05). Conclusion. Inductive phase shift increments at frequencies in the Beta dielectric dispersion region could be associated to changes in the cell structure and has the potential to detect pathological conditions in breast tissue associated to cancer. Further complementary studies are warranted to confirm the observations.