Diffuse optical imaging of the healthy and diseased breast: A systematic review

Abstract

Screening X-ray mammography is limited by false positives and negatives leading to unnecessary physical and psychological morbidity. Diffuse Optical Imaging using harmless near infra red light, provides lesion detection based on functional abnormalities and represents a novel diagnostic arm that could complement traditional mammography. Reviews of optical breast imaging have not been systematic, are focused mainly on technological developments, and have become superseded by rapid technological advancement. The aim of this study is to review clinically orientated studies involving approximately 2,000 women in whom optical mammography has been used to evaluate the healthy or diseased breast. The results suggest that approximately 85% of breast lesions are detectable on optical mammography. Spectroscopic resolution of tissue haemoglobin composition and oxygen saturation may improve the detectability of breast diseases. Results suggest that breast lesions contain approximately twice the haemoglobin concentration of background tissue. Current evidence suggests that it is not possible to distinguish benign from malignant disease using optical imaging techniques in isolation. Methods to improve the performance of Diffuse Optical Imaging, such as better spectral coverage with additional wavelengths, improved modelling of light transport in tissues and the use of extrinsic dyes may augment lesion detection and characterisation. Future research should involve large clinical trials to determine the overall sensitivity and specificity of optical imaging techniques as well as to establish patient satisfaction and economic viability.

Optical Imaging of Breast Cancer Using Hemodynamic Changes Induced by Valsalva Maneuver

“…Overall, the detection rates we achieved using the DYNOT 232 system are comparable to the detection rates reported for optical imaging in other studies, which are on the order of 85 % [37]. In a study investigating optical imaging of the breast with the contrast agent ICG, Schneider et al reached a sensitivity of 85.7 % and a specificity of 87.5 % for malignant lesions with a time-topeak-based analysis of the amplitude of the increasing signal after ICG injection [6].…”

Near‐infrared imaging of breast cancer using optical contrast agents

“…In a survey of 2000 cases from different studies of optical mammography, Leff et al found that only approx. 85% of malignant lesions were detectable by optical mammography [109]. In this analysis, the type of optical imaging technique used (continuous wave, frequency-domain, or time-domain) appeared to have little effect on diagnostic accuracy [109].…”

“…Optical imaging is much more sensitive to smaller amounts of contrast medium than radiographic modalities or MR imaging [22]. Finally, optical imaging has economic advantages: optical scanners are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and operational costs are much lower than for other imaging modalities such as MRI [109].…”

Clinical photoacoustic computed tomography of the human breast in vivo within a single breath hold

“…To provide highly sensitive functional optical contrasts, diffuse optical tomography has been investigated. However, it suffers from poor spatial resolutions [8]. Overall, each modality has notable advantages and limitations.…”