Our Summary

The research paper introduces a new system to help surgeons locate non-physical tumors during breast cancer lumpectomies (a surgery to remove a tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it). This is very important as it helps to ensure no cancerous cells are left behind. The system uses a small device that can be injected into the body, which uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide visual guidance.

The LEDs are powered wirelessly and can shine two different colors: red and blue. Blue light is absorbed strongly by tissue and can be seen within a close range (<1 cm), while red light can be seen through several centimeters of tissue. The LEDs are integrated with a special circuit and receiver coil, and are coated in a safe material for injection with a needle.

The study showed that the device clearly shows changes in color depending on depth, and can be seen through more than 2 cm of chicken breast and bovine muscle tissue using less than 4 W of power from a handheld antenna. This suggests that these small, injectable devices could potentially improve surgical guidance when removing non-physical breast tumors.

FAQs

  1. How does the new system assist surgeons in locating non-physical tumors during a lumpectomy?
  2. How do the LEDs in the injectable device aid in visual guidance during a lumpectomy?
  3. What were the results of the study on the effectiveness of the injectable device in surgical guidance?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lumpectomy is to ask about any new technologies or techniques that may be available to help guide the surgeon during the procedure. Inquiring about the use of devices like the one described in the research paper could potentially improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the surgery in removing all cancerous cells. It is important for patients to be proactive in discussing all available options with their healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lumpectomy are those with early-stage breast cancer, specifically those with small tumors that have not spread to the surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Lumpectomies are often recommended for patients with tumors that are less than 5 cm in size, as well as for patients who are not able or willing to undergo a full mastectomy.

In addition, patients who have been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer, may also be recommended for lumpectomy as it is a less invasive treatment option compared to mastectomy. Lumpectomies are also commonly recommended for patients who have a high risk of developing breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or those with a genetic mutation that increases their risk.

Overall, lumpectomy is a suitable treatment option for patients with early-stage breast cancer who are looking to preserve as much of their breast tissue as possible while still effectively treating the cancer.

Timeline

Before lumpectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with breast cancer and discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs to determine the size and location of the tumor.
  3. Patient may undergo a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the tumor.
  4. Patient and healthcare provider decide on lumpectomy as the treatment option.

After lumpectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the lumpectomy surgery, where the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue are removed.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising at the surgical site post-surgery.
  3. Patient may need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a period of time.
  4. Patient may undergo radiation therapy or other treatments as recommended by their healthcare provider.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and discuss any further treatment options if needed.
  6. Patient undergoes regular screenings and imaging tests to monitor for any recurrence of cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How does the new system using LED technology help improve the accuracy of lumpectomy surgeries for breast cancer?

  2. What are the potential benefits of using the LED device during a lumpectomy procedure compared to traditional methods?

  3. Are there any risks or side effects associated with using the LED device during a lumpectomy surgery?

  4. How is the LED device inserted into the body, and how long does it remain in place during the procedure?

  5. Will the LED device interfere with any other aspects of the lumpectomy surgery or affect the final outcome?

  6. How does the LED device help surgeons ensure that all cancerous cells are removed during the lumpectomy procedure?

  7. How does the LED device provide visual guidance to the surgeon during the lumpectomy surgery, and how does it help differentiate between tumor tissue and normal tissue?

  8. Are there any specific criteria or limitations for using the LED device during a lumpectomy surgery, such as tumor size or location?

  9. How does the LED device communicate with the handheld antenna and receiver coil, and how does this technology help guide the surgeon during the lumpectomy procedure?

  10. Are there any additional resources or information available for patients who are interested in learning more about the LED device and its role in lumpectomy surgeries for breast cancer?

Reference

Authors: Rho S, Stillwell RA, Yan K, de Almeida Barreto AFB, Smith JR, Fay P, Police AM, O’Sullivan TD. Journal: Sensors (Basel). 2024 Aug 30;24(17):5639. doi: 10.3390/s24175639. PMID: 39275550