Revolutionary OneTouch-PAT System Detects Breast Cancer in Under a Minute

In a significant advancement for breast cancer detection, researchers from the University at Buffalo have developed an experimental system known as OneTouch-PAT that can identify breast cancer in under one minute without the painful compression required by traditional mammography. This innovative technology, which combines photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging, aims to enhance patient comfort while improving diagnostic accuracy. The study, published in the IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, details how the OneTouch-PAT system could represent a groundbreaking shift in breast cancer screening methods.

The device operates by allowing patients to stand and gently press their breast against an imaging window, thus eliminating the discomfort typically associated with mammograms. According to Dr. Jun Xia, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University at Buffalo and the lead author of the study, "Our system combines advanced imaging, automation, and artificial intelligence while enhancing patient comfort." The study involved 65 participants, including 61 breast cancer patients and four healthy individuals, and successfully produced clear, artificial intelligence-enhanced 3D images of various breast cancer subtypes, including Luminal A, Luminal B, and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality among women globally, necessitating effective early detection methods. Current standard techniques, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, have their limitations. Mammography, while broadly accessible and relatively cost-effective, struggles with accuracy in women with dense breast tissue and can expose patients to radiation. Conversely, ultrasound is more effective in these cases but depends heavily on the skill of the operator and can result in false positives.

The OneTouch-PAT system addresses these limitations by integrating both photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging into a single automated process. This dual approach not only minimizes operator error but also provides a more comprehensive view of breast tumors. The photoacoustic imaging component utilizes laser pulses to generate ultrasound waves, which help in detecting blood vessels often associated with cancerous tissues. By performing scans in a standing position and interleaving the photoacoustic and ultrasound modalities, the system efficiently captures detailed imaging data.

The results demonstrated that OneTouch-PAT is capable of revealing unique vascular patterns associated with different cancer subtypes. For instance, the 3D images produced showed that Luminal A and Luminal B cancers had distinct tumor-associated blood vessels, while Triple-Negative Breast Cancers exhibited chaotic blood supply patterns. This capability is particularly significant for patients with dense breast tissue, who are often at a higher risk for misdiagnosis.

Despite the promising findings, Dr. Xia emphasizes that further research is essential before OneTouch-PAT can be implemented in clinical settings. The research team plans to conduct additional studies that will include a more diverse patient population and aim to improve the data extraction methods of the system. Enhancements in sensor technology and robustness of the imaging tools are also on the agenda to ensure better accuracy and speed.

In conclusion, the OneTouch-PAT system could potentially revolutionize breast cancer detection, particularly for women with dense breast tissue. If validated through further research, this technology may augment existing imaging methods and significantly contribute to the early detection of breast cancer, ultimately saving lives. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, and the findings were published in the 2025 issue of the IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging (Zhang, H., et al., 2025).