3D ultrasound computed tomography is able to image the breast in 3D with millimeter accuracy and takes into account tissue properties that have so far not been considered in the search for tumors. For breast cancer diagnosis, USCT therefore promises high sensitivity and specificity, i.e. tumors are reliably detected. In the long term, the USCT technology could be widely used in everyday medical practice. USCT is similarly inexpensive as mammography, can be used as often as necessary and is also applicable in young women,  as in contrast to mammography, no X-rays are used.

A prototype is currently already being tested in a second study in Germany. Together with Chinese industrial partners, further USCT systems with optimised image quality and improved ultrasound transducers are now being developed, which will then be tested in a large multi-centre study involving more than 1000 patients in the People's Republic of China. We and our partners hope that the study will provide representative statistical data on the diagnostic quality of the device. At the same time the medical approval in China is being prepared. There, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women.

In this project, the IPE will be responsible for the development and construction of the USCT devices and will participate in the execution and evaluation of the clinical multicenter study.

Technology: Ultrasound computed tomography