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Detecting very early-stage breast cancers has long been a challenge, with traditional mammograms often falling short. However, a groundbreaking innovation combining artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced laser technology might offer a solution, according to new research published in the Journal of Biophotonics.
Scottish researchers are exploring how AI-enhanced “laser analysis” can detect subtle changes in blood that signal the earliest stages of breast tumors. The study, led by Andy Downes, a senior lecturer in engineering at the University of Edinburgh, suggests this approach could revolutionize cancer detection and save lives.
“Most deaths from cancer occur following a late-stage diagnosis after symptoms become apparent,” Downes stated in a university news release. “A future screening test for multiple cancer types could find these at a stage where they can be far more easily treated.”
The Technology
The study involved analyzing 24 blood samples—12 from breast cancer patients and 12 from healthy individuals. Researchers used a process called Raman spectroscopy, which subjects blood plasma to laser beam analysis. A device called a spectrometer then examines how the laser light interacts with the blood.
Even minor changes in the chemical makeup of cells and tissues can provide significant clues. AI is employed to interpret these findings quickly and accurately, making it possible to identify cancer at its earliest stages.
Promising Results
In this small-scale study, the AI-laser technology was 98% effective in identifying stage 1a breast cancers, the earliest stage of the disease. Furthermore, the method accurately differentiated between the four major subtypes of breast cancer in 90% of cases.
Knowing the exact subtype of breast cancer early can simplify treatment decisions and improve outcomes for patients.
Broader Implications
While the findings are preliminary, the potential applications extend beyond breast cancer.
“Early diagnosis is key to long-term survival, and we finally have the technology required,” Downes explained. “We just need to apply it to other cancer types and build up a database before this can be used as a multi-cancer test.”
The research represents a step forward in the fight against cancer, offering hope for more effective and timely interventions.
Learn More
For additional information about breast cancer screening, visit the American Cancer Society’s website.
