Muscat: An innovative technique for the early detection of breast cancer has been developed by an Omani national, which analyzes temperature differences between tissue layers to identify the disease.
The research, led by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Salim Al Husaini, an Assistant Professor at Arab Open University in Oman, utilized a numerical simulation model created with COMSOL software to explore the thermophysical properties of breast tissue.
This study examines how factors such as tumor size, depth, blood flow, and thermal conductivity influence heat distribution within the breast.
Among the various groundbreaking projects presented at the 11th National Research Award, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the project titled “Influence of Tissue Thermophysical Characteristics and Situ-Cooling on the Detection of Breast Cancer” received recognition in the PhD category.
The aim is to improve the precision of breast cancer detection by studying temperature variations that are affected by tumor characteristics and cooling methods.
Dr. Mohammed highlighted that tumors that are smaller or located deeper within the breast are more challenging to detect due to limited temperature variations. The maximum temperature differences observed between tumor-affected and non-tumor-affected breasts can range from 2.58°C to 0.274°C.
Additionally, larger breast sizes tend to diminish thermal contrast, while smaller breasts may struggle to detect tumors smaller than 0.5 cm, particularly those situated at greater depths, as they do not generate significant temperature differences.
The findings indicated that the use of situ-cooling gel enhances thermal contrast, especially for tumours situated at greater depths. For instance, a thermal difference of 6°C was achieved for a tumour at a depth of 10 cm with the application of local cooling gel, a result unattainable with the simulation model alone.
Dr. Mohammed emphasized the necessity for additional clinical studies to confirm these results and suggested that situ-cooling could serve as a valuable adjunct in thermography-based cancer detection.
This research was published in Applied Sciences in 2023 and involved a team comprising Dr. Mohammed Al Husaini, Prof. Mohamed Hadi Habaebi from the International Islamic University Malaysia, Dr. F. M. Suliman from King Khalid University, Prof. Md Rafiqul Islam from the International Islamic University Malaysia, Dr. Elfatih A. A. Elsheikh from King Khalid University, and Dr. Naser A. Muhaisen from the International Islamic University Malaysia.
In regard to his award, Dr. Mohammed Al Husaini expressed that it was a significant honor and acknowledgment of their research efforts. He noted the importance of enhancing breast cancer detection through non-invasive thermography techniques and situ-cooling.
This recognition serves as a source of motivation and determination for us to advance our research, pushing the limits of innovation and aiming to make a substantial impact on early breast cancer detection and patient care, he added.
