Performance analysis of a dedicated breast MR-HIFU system for tumor ablation in breast cancer patients

Phys Med Biol. 2015 Jul 21;60(14):5527-42. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/60/14/5527. Epub 2015 Jul 2.

Abstract

MR-guided HIFU ablation is a promising technique for the non-invasive treatment of breast cancer. A phase I study was performed to assess the safety and treatment accuracy and precision of MR-HIFU ablation in breast cancer patients (n=10) using a newly developed MR-HIFU platform dedicated to applications in the breast. In this paper a technical analysis of the performance of the dedicated breast MR-HIFU system during breast tumors ablation is described. The main points of investigation were the spatial targeting accuracy and precision of the system and the performance of real-time respiration-corrected MR thermometry.The mean targeting accuracy was in the range of 2.4-2.6 mm, whereas the mean targeting precision was in the range of 1.5-1.8 mm. To correct for respiration-induced magnetic field fluctuations during MR temperature mapping a look-up-table (LUT)-based correction method was used. An optimized procedural sedation protocol in combination with the LUT-based correction method allowed for precise MR thermometry during the ablation procedure (temperature standard deviation <3 °C). No unwanted heating in the near field (i.e. skin) nor in the far field (pectoral muscle) was detected.The newly developed dedicated breast MR-HIFU system allows for safe, accurate and precise ablation of breast tumors.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast / cytology
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Contrast Media / metabolism
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional / methods*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Temperature
  • Thermometry / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media