Engineers develop light system for testing breast cancer treatment responses

A new system using red and near-infrared light to gauge whether breast cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy has been developed by the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Findings of the first pilot study have been published in the journal Radiology and indicate that as early as two weeks after treatment starts, it will be possible to determine whether it is working or should be discontinued. 

In doing this, the device could help prevent time and energy being spent on ineffective interventions and help medical professionals tailor treatment to each patient.

The system works by measuring blood flow dynamics while the patient holds their breath. A 3D image of the breast is created and the blood flow patterns can indicate whether the treatment is having the desired effect. 

Professor of biomedical engineering and electrical engineering Andreas Hielscher said: "There is currently no method that can predict treatment outcome of chemotherapy early on in treatment, so this is a major advance."

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