Imaging Science Seminar: The Story of Ultrasound Tomography

Imaging Science Seminar
The Story of Ultrasound Tomography: A Decades Long Journey from the Bench to the Clinic

Dr. Nebojsa Duric
Professor and Vice Chair for Research
Imaging Sciences Department
University of Rochester

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A series of studies was used to test the efficacy of ultrasound tomography (UST) in a clinical setting, culminating in a multi-center, national trial aimed at obtaining pre-market approval from the FDA for breast cancer screening. The results from these studies, relating to breast cancer screening, diagnostics, risk assessment and treatment monitoring are presented.

Abstract:
Ultrasound tomography (UST) is a new imaging modality that implements solutions of the acoustic wave equation to deliver 3D imaging of various tissue properties in support of breast cancer imaging. An overview of the technique is presented, along with a history of its development, including clinical and regulatory milestones spanning almost 20 years. A series of studies was used to test the efficacy of UST in a clinical setting, culminating in a recently completed, multi-center, national trial aimed at obtaining pre-market approval from the FDA for breast cancer screening. The results from these studies, relating to breast cancer screening, diagnostics, risk assessment and treatment monitoring are presented. The challenges of translating UST from bench to bedside in a regulatory setting and the associated commercialization of the technology are described. Finally, future prospects for applications of UST and potential local collaborations are also discussed.

Speaker Bio:
Neb received his PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Toronto. Following his postdoctoral work at the University of British Columbia, he joined the faculty at the University of New Mexico in the department of Physics and Astronomy. After a 20-year astrophysics career in radio astronomy, he began his new career in medical imaging, first at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Michigan and now at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY where he serves as Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Imaging Sciences Department. Neb led a research effort in ultrasound tomography (UST) at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Michigan where he ran a lab from 2004 to 2021. In 2010, he co-founded Delphinus Medical Technologies where he also guided the R&D efforts in his role as Chief Technology Officer. In the process, he raised over $12M in research funding and generated over 100 papers on the clinical applications of UST. On October 6, 2021 the FDA approved the UST technology for breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts. He won the Michigan Innovator of the Year Award from the state of Michigan and a Distinguished Innovator Award from Wayne State University, recognizing innovation and achievement for his role in development of ultrasound tomography. He was also named a Hero of Breast Cancer by the Detroit Chapter of Race for the Cure, recognizing excellence in breast cancer research and education. Neb has over 200 publications and has received numerous research grants, from sponsors that include NIH, NSF, DoD and NASA.

Intended Audience:
Beginners, undergraduates, graduates, and experts. Those with interest in the topic.