Houston Methodist using 3D technology, artificial intelligence and more in new breast cancer research studies

Using 3D technology, Houston Methodist creates model for “bespoke” breast implants for cancer patients

Newswise — Houston Methodist breast cancer researchers created a computer model that will ultimately be used to custom design 3D-printed breast implants for cancer patients.

Breast implants are the most common way of rebuilding the shape of the breasts after surgery. However, off the shelf breast implants cannot completely match individual differences in breast shape. As a result, patients can be dissatisfied with the results, and secondary surgeries on the opposite healthy breast are often needed to match size and shape with the implanted breast.

Houston Methodist completed a clinical trial collecting marker-based computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional (3D) photo images of the upper body of breast cancer patients. The researchers used the CT and 3D photo images to create a computer-based model, and the goal is to offer this technology to breast cancer patients in 2021.

Houston Methodist uses artificial intelligence to create Intelligent-augmented Breast Cancer Risk Calculator (iBrisk)

The desire to detect breast cancer early through standard mammograms can lead to follow up biopsies that show negative results. Using the current national standard, out of 10,000 women biopsied, less than two will be positive. In an effort to improve diagnostics and avoid unnecessary biopsies, Stephen Wong, Ph.D., utilizes artificial intelligence to create a smarter model, Breast Cancer Risk Calculator, to replace the current standard, the BI-RAD.

The iBRISK integrates natural language processing, medical image analysis, and deep learning on multi-modal BI-RADS patient data to make one of three recommendations: biopsy not recommended, consider biopsy, or biopsy recommended. The result can then be discussed with the patient’s medical provider for a final decision. It will be available to patients next year.

Pioneering breast reconstruction technique preserves sensation for women who choose implant-based options

The loss of sensation in the breast following a mastectomy is a major concern for many women. Due to the way nerves to the breast skin and nipple travel through breast tissue, traditional mastectomies often cut through these nerves, which creates breast and nipple numbness, or even painful sensations at the cut nerve ending. While removing the cancer is always first priority, maintaining sensation is an often overlooked factor that helps women feel like themselves again after a diagnosis.

Dr. Aldona Spiegel’s unique approach to “designing a breast” based on her patients’ input has led her to be one of the few surgeons in the nation offering implant-based reconstruction that can preserve breast sensation. Autologous reconstruction that preserves some sensation is widely available but this type of reconstruction is more invasive and not an option for everyone. This new method of preserving the nerves, using nerve grafts to reconstruct the cut nerves, with implant-based reconstruction is a novel option for women who want to weigh their options.

Researchers investigate modified herpes virus as tool to “light up” cold tumors in breast and lung patients, making them recognizable to the immune system

Immunotherapy, using the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer, is a viable treatment option, but only works for about 20% of patients. This is because some cancer cells, known as cold tumors, do not release the antigens that activate the immune system - so the cancer remains hidden.

Houston Methodist researchers are using a modified herpes virus to cold tumors recognizable for breast and lung cancer patients previously thought to not be candidates for immunotherapy. Fifty-seven breast and lung patients are included in the study.