光超音波イメージング

Photoacoustic imaging of the breast

乳房の新規イメージング技術の開発が活発である。乳癌のもつどの生物学的な特徴を画像化するかによって開発のコンセプトが異なり，見え方だけでなく，乳癌診療のどの場面で活用できるかについても異なってくる。本稿では，乳房の光超音波イメージングについての現状および将来展望を述べる。

This paper introduces the principle of photoacoustic imaging, which enables not only detailed visualisation of minute tumour-related vascular structures but also oxygenation index that is difficult to detect with conventional noninvasive imaging techniques. Elucidation of the features will contribute to further improvement of the diagnosis rate of breast cancer and the development of new testing methods to monitor the effects of neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer. The development of appropriate molecular probes is expected to make it possible to simultaneously identify tumours and blood vessels. The fusion of the device and other conventional or novel modalities will be also a good choice for a breakthrough imaging technology that will provide diagnostic information that cannot be obtained with other modalities.