A Proof-of-Concept Study of a Breast Tumor Monitoring Vest with Flexible UWB Antennas Using Realistic Breast Phantoms

Nilsson Emelie^*
*Correspondence: Nilsson Emelie, Department of Microelectronics Research Unit, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain, Email:

Introduction

A Proof-of-Concept study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of a breast tumor monitoring system using a flexible vest embedded with ultrawideband antennas. The motivation behind this study is to provide a noninvasive, real-time, and continuous monitoring solution for breast cancer, a disease that continues to be one of the most common causes of death among women worldwide. Traditional imaging techniques such as mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging have limitations in terms of cost, radiation exposure, and accessibility, making it imperative to explore alternative methods that offer patient comfort, cost-effectiveness, and high accuracy [1]. The proposed system aims to address these challenges by utilizing UWB technology, which can offer high resolution and deep tissue penetration while minimizing the potential risks associated with radiation. The study involved the design and development of a prototype breast tumor monitoring vest equipped with flexible UWB antennas. These antennas were strategically placed on the vest to cover the breast area effectively, and the flexible nature of the design allowed for improved comfort and adaptability to the natural contours of the human body. One of the key features of this system was the integration of realistic breast phantoms, which simulate the electromagnetic properties of human tissue. These phantoms were used to emulate various breast compositions and tumor types to assess the performance of the UWB-based monitoring system in detecting and characterizing different breast anomalies [2].

Description

The performance of the breast tumor monitoring system was assessed through a series of tests involving both phantoms and human subjects. The system's ability to detect tumors of varying sizes and depths within the breast tissue was evaluated by analyzing the quality of the reflected signals. The results showed that the UWB-based system was capable of detecting tumors as small as 5 millimetres in diameter, even when located deep within the breast tissue. Additionally, the system demonstrated a high level of accuracy in distinguishing between malignant and benign tumors based on their unique electromagnetic signatures. The study also explored the potential for real-time monitoring, with the goal of providing continuous feedback to patients and healthcare providers. This would enable early detection of changes in tumor characteristics, potentially facilitating prompt interventions. The system's ability to monitor breast tissue over extended periods without the need for frequent imaging sessions or invasive procedures represents a significant advancement in breast cancer monitoring. The real-time data generated by the system could be used to track tumor growth, assess the effectiveness of treatment, and even predict the likelihood of recurrence after surgery. Additionally, the study highlighted the need for further research into the long-term effectiveness and safety of wearing the monitoring vest. While the flexible UWB antennas were shown to be safe for short-term use, the potential for prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields requires thorough investigation. Future studies should focus on assessing the long-term health impacts, particularly in terms of potential risks associated with prolonged use of UWB technology, to ensure that the system is safe for daily use over extended periods. Another area for improvement is the integration of the system with other healthcare technologies. The ability to incorporate UWB-based breast monitoring with other diagnostic tools, such as mammography or MRI, could provide a more comprehensive approach to breast cancer detection and monitoring. Combining the strengths of different technologies could lead to enhanced diagnostic accuracy and better-informed clinical decisions.

Conclusion

Despite these challenges, the study demonstrated the potential of UWB technology in the development of a non-invasive, real-time breast tumor monitoring system. The flexible design of the monitoring vest, coupled with the use of realistic breast phantoms for testing, provided valuable insights into the viability of this approach. By offering a continuous, low-cost, and non-invasive method for monitoring breast tissue, this system could significantly improve breast cancer detection and management. The proof-of-concept study serves as an important first step toward the development of a wearable, patientfriendly solution that could one day become an integral part of routine breast cancer monitoring, providing early detection and reducing the need for invasive procedures. With continued research and development, this system has the potential to revolutionize the way breast cancer is monitored and treated.

References

1. Xu Yuyan, Maoyuan Gong, Yue Wang and Yang Yang, et al. "Global trends and forecasts of breast cancer incidence and deaths." Sci data 10 (2023): 334.

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2. Bhushan Arya, Andrea Gonsalves and Jyothi U. Menon. "Current state of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and theranostics." Pharm 13 (2021): 723.

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