Enhancing ultrasound and breast cancer outcomes

What biomedical issue did you address in your research and what did your studies find? 

My research focused on improving an approach that physicians use throughout surgery and treatment to localize axillary lymph node cancer.

Currently, when women are diagnosed with breast cancer, they undergo a procedure in which tiny markers are placed by biopsy in lymph nodes under the arm. The markers help surgeons determine how the cancer has responded to therapy and provide visual aids that guide surgical excision to better ensure removal of metastases.

However, the most common imaging method used during the course of breast cancer treatment, known as B-mode ultrasound, can fail to detect these markers. My research aimed to develop biopsy markers that are detectable by Doppler ultrasound imaging to improve marker visibility and overall patient outcomes.

To develop new biopsy markers, I investigated whether a phenomenon in Doppler ultrasound known as "twinkling" can be used to improve the visibility of biopsy markers. I found that microbubbles likely increase signals from twinkling, as does a biopsy marker with a rougher surface.

I developed a novel biopsy marker known as the MICROBEAD (Microparticles Inside a Cylinder Reorganized by Externally Applied Doppler) marker. This marker contains suspended microparticles that respond to Doppler ultrasound energy and produce a detectable signal even at small scales. In a preclinical model, the marker demonstrated a robust and consistent Doppler signal, supporting its potential to be studied for clinical application.

My studies advanced the understanding of twinkling in Doppler ultrasound and showed how the phenomenon can be applied to improve biopsy marker detection. The work established the groundwork for future studies to improve outcomes for patients. 

What aspects of Mayo's culture helped you grow as a scientist and as a learner?

I was first introduced to ultrasound research at Mayo Clinic when I participated in a program for high school students. I realized how much I enjoyed academic research as well as working to help improve care for patients. From there, I determined the path I needed to continue doing ultrasound research as a career, which led me to Mayo Clinic for my Ph.D.  

Mayo Clinic's strong culture of collaboration allowed me to gain knowledge across multiple disciplines. I worked closely with several core facilities and groups, including the Mayo Clinic Optical Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core, the Mayo Clinic X-ray Imaging Core and the Mayo Clinic Division of Engineering, gaining technical expertise and a broader perspective on solving complex research problems. The graduate school also provided training that's essential for success as an academic researcher, particularly manuscript and grant writing to communicate scientific findings and secure funding for future research projects.

This article was written by Lizz Cervantes, a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical and Translational Science at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.