Bladder cancer is a significant medical challenge, with high recurrence rates and considerable social and economic impacts. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI lack sensitivity for small lesions under 5 mm, making early detection difficult and contributing to a relapse rate as high as 40% for high-grade cases.
The PHIRE project aims to address these issues by advancing photoacoustic imaging technology for earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Within this framework, Dr. Gayathri Malamal’s research, developed together with the principal investigator Dr. Jithin Jose at FUJIFILM Sonosite and Dr. Alfano from Ospedale San Raffaele, promises to improve detection and treatment options for bladder cancer through cutting-edge imaging innovations.
Advancing photoacoustic imaging
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) represents a significant step forward in medical and scientific imaging by combining the strengths of optical and ultrasound technologies. This innovative technique uses a safe, non-ionising laser to illuminate tissues, causing specific molecules, known as chromophores, to emit ultrasound waves. These waves are then captured to create detailed images.
Unlike traditional ultrasound, which relies solely on sound waves, PAI benefits from the high contrast provided by optical absorption and the deeper tissue penetration of ultrasound. Furthermore, it allows for real-time imaging without the need for contrast agents, making it a versatile and minimally invasive tool. This unique combination of features enables PAI to produce clearer, deeper, and more informative images than many conventional methods, opening new opportunities for both clinical applications and research.
In the last edition of the EMIM Conference in Porto (Portugal), Dr. Malamal presented her poster “AI-assisted Photoacoustic Spectral Unmixing Algorithm for the Micro to Macro Resolution Bladder Tumour Imaging“, which explores advanced photoacoustic imaging to enhance the detection of minute bladder cancer lesions. This AI-driven approach aims to reduce recurrence rates and facilitate combined diagnostic and therapeutic (theranostic) strategies for bladder cancer. The poster was awarded during the event.
After completing her PhD, Dr. Malamal joined FUJIFILM Sonosite’s, shifting focus to photoacoustics for bladder cancer detection. Unlike ultrasound, which uses sound waves for both transmission and reception, photoacoustic imaging combines light transmission and sound detection, offering molecular-level detail and greater depth. As part of PHIRE, FUJIFILM Sonosite’s contributes to a key element of the project: the creation of the AI-assisted photoacoustic imaging platform that can detect lesions under 1 mm, a critical size for preventing high-grade disease progression.
Advancing precision in diagnostic imaging
PHIRE aims at bringing closer to market a novel high-resolution theranostic medical device effective in the clinical applications for lesions under1 mm, ready for application in human bladder cancer and effective both in male and female patients.
Moreover, the technological innovations developed within the project, including deep-tissue imaging, adaptive algorithms, and real-time molecular data analysis, have potential applications beyond oncology. These advancements may influence future medical imaging approaches by enabling more precise, real-time diagnostics across various fields.
In summary, by combining optical and ultrasound techniques with AI-assisted innovations, PHIRE is tackling the challenges of bladder cancer diagnosis, enabling the detection of lesions as small as 1 mm. This precision holds the potential to significantly reduce recurrence rates and improve patient outcomes. The project’s breakthroughs in deep-tissue imaging and real-time molecular analysis demonstrate the versatility of PAI, marking it as a transformative approach in diagnostic imaging. PHIRE stands as a testament to how focused research can advance technology to address critical healthcare needs.
