Ultra-Low Field MRI Shows Promise for Breast Imaging, Could Expand Screening Access

Mass General Brigham researchers have demonstrated the technical feasibility of using ultra-low field (ULF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for breast imaging. This technology could offer an alternative to existing breast cancer screening methods and may reduce barriers to screening, pending further refinement and evaluation.

The results were published in Scientific Reports.

"These findings are an encouraging proof of principle, though larger studies are required to establish diagnostic performance. Our goal is to pursue safe, comfortable, lower-cost screening approaches to expand patient access." — Matthew Rosen, PhD, Project Principal Investigator and Co-Senior Author

Why ULF MRI? Addressing Barriers to Screening

Current U.S. guidelines recommend screening mammography for women aged 40 to 74 years. ULF MRI does not require breast compression, which many patients find uncomfortable, and does not use ionizing radiation.

Standard MRI machines are expensive and not widely available for routine breast cancer screening. In contrast, ULF MRI systems cost less than 5% of standard MRI systems and have lower long-term operating costs.

The Pilot Study: Initial Findings

The study performed ULF MRI scans on 14 participants. This group included 11 women with no history of breast cancer, two women with a prior breast cancer diagnosis, and one woman with a benign mass.

Three radiologists interpreting the ULF MRI scans reliably identified essential breast features and distinguished fibroglandular tissue from adipose tissue. The authors suggested that initial discrepancies were likely related to the novelty of ULF MRI and may diminish with additional training and experience.

"This early evidence suggests ULF MRI can detect essential breast features and some abnormalities without radiation or injected contrast. These findings point to the technology's potential to complement existing screening tools in the future." — Neha Koonjoo, PhD, Co-First Author

Kathryn E. Keenan, PhD, co-principal investigator, noted that the radiology team was able to make observations about the breast even at very low magnetic fields, expressing motivation to continue work on ultra-low-field MRI for breast screening.

The Road Ahead: Further Research and Refinements

The researchers emphasized that further study is needed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ULF MRI for breast cancer screening. This includes studies in larger cohorts with benign and malignant lesions.

They also highlighted the need for further refinements in ULF MRI technology to meet clinical resolution standards for breast cancer screening.

"These results will guide the next engineering steps to improve image quality, enable a more comfortable exam, and help bring screening to more settings and patients." — Sheng Shen, PhD, Co-First Author